Our state has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money to enforce antiquated cannabis laws.
The Center Square, by Kim Jarrett
Two Democrats filed bills to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Tennessee. One of the sponsors claimed that the move could bring millions into the general fund.
House Bill 836, by Rep. Larry Miller, D-Memphis, also contains a provision that allows minors to be treated for cancer or chronic pain by their parents.
Tennessee residents over 21 can possess and cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants and up to 60 grams flower or 15 grams concentrate.
On top of sales taxes, the state will levy an additional 15 percent on marijuana. According to the bill, 85 percent of revenue would go to the general fund, 10 percent to the Department of Agriculture to cover administrative costs and five percent to the Department of Revenue to cover administrative costs.
If the bill passes, it would allow for the state to review previous marijuana convictions. People who are in prison or jail only because of marijuana crimes could also be released.
Miller stated that recreational marijuana use is allowed in 25 States and medical marijuana can be used by 39 others.
Miller noted that the state had spent “millions and millions” of tax dollars on enforcement of outdated cannabis laws. While recent estimates suggest that Tennesseeans support cannabis in a majority, we’re wasting more than $155,000,000 annually by failing to implement it.
The last time legislators considered the legalization of marijuana was in 2021, when federal decriminalization discussions were underway. In the fiscal note for that bill, it was stated that local governments and state government could both save over $2 million by housing marijuana offenders in jail. The local governments may also be liable for fines of more than $460,000. This bill was never brought out of the committee.
Vanderbilt Poll results from December showed that 63 percent of Tennesseans support the legalization marijuana for recreational purposes. According to the poll, 53 percent of respondents were Republicans while 78 percent are Democrats.
Miller added that the poll showed strong support from both parties for this measure. Miller said, “It’s high time that we listen to the Tennesseans and do our duty as public servants.
Virginia lawmakers passed a bill that will create a state-legal marijuana market this week. Although the bill was bipartisan, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a WSET report that he will veto this bill.
The Tennessee Senate has been introduced by Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville.
The Center Square published this article first.
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Mike Latimer provided the photo.