The Tennessee medical cannabis program is in full swing, at least legislatively. While the state pushes around ideas about dispensaries, products, and licensing, lawmakers are interested in your opinion about the future of cannabis in Tennessee. Introduced by Representative Bruce Griffey (R-D75), HB1634 wants to poll the public about legalizing marijuana.
In this article we’ll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about HB1634 and what it might mean for Tennessee medical marijuana patients.
HB1634 – Questions About the Future of Cannabis for Tennessee
HB1634 is a bill that would require county election commissions to include 3 nonbinding questions about legalizing marijuana on the November 2022 ballot.
The three yes or no questions are:
1. Should the State of Tennessee legalize medical marijuana?
2. Should the State of Tennessee decriminalize possession of less than one ounce (1 oz.) of marijuana?
3. Should the State of Tennessee legalize and regulate commercial sales of recreational use marijuana?
Rep. Griffey introduced HB1634 as a way to include public opinion on the legislative process for medical marijuana, although if passed the bill ultimately means very little other than collecting opinions we already have.
The People vs The Plant – Public Polling & Meaningful TN Legislation
Because the questions on HB1634 are non binding, they have no effective legal impact for legislators, other than awareness of public opinion, which we already know heavily favors legalizing marijuana.
Some have even suggested HB1634 is a stall bill, an insignificant fluff-piece that avoids meaningful legislation concerning marijuana. Ultimately it is a strange bill, although it will only help shed light on what voters already want, legalized cannabis for Tennessee.
A government sanctioned poll for three very simple questions can provide the same value as any other poll, in fact every ballot question is a public poll in its own right.
The simple reality of putting marijuana legalization on the 2022 ballot is probably too simple. Instead, HB1634 seems to prefer to ask if the public would like marijuana legalization on the ballot, which could obviously be avoided by just putting it on the ballot.
The Purpose of Polls – Tennessee Wants to Legalize, Do You?
Tennessee passed its medical marijuana bill this year allowing low-THC oil, and that’s stirred the pot for conversations about cannabis.
Attention is high, and with growing national distrust, all eyes are on the United States to pass bills that the public wants.
And it’s overwhelmingly clear the U.S wants legal weed.
HB1634 continues that conversation, whether that’s really necessary is up for debate, but at least the conversation has arrived. While some would prefer action over words, Tennessee has consistently failed to pass meaningful marijuana legislation regardless of what people actually want.
But with the roll out of Schumer’s legalization bill and Federal rescheduling of cannabis steamrolling the topic, states are preparing to deal with the repercussions of federally legalized cannabis. This is likely why HB1634 was introduced, to stoke the fire while it’s hot.
If the country legalizes cannabis on a federal level, it’s likely states will be left to decide whether they want recreational cannabis, and Tennessee is probably drumming up opinions and suggestions for what they’re going to do if that happens.
This is the heart of HB1634, everything else is a nice gesture, but in reality the questions are left for you to answer.
At the end of the day, until Tennessee implements realistic legislation for recreational cannabis, the medical marijuana program will remain the only way for legal access to marijuana in the Volunteer state.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
Tennessee cannabis patients will soon be able to legally purchase low-THC oil and see the relief they need organically.
Reserve your appointment today and get $25 off when we start processing applications!
Being a Tennessee cannabis patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you.
We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way, feel free to give us a call at (833) 781-5611 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical cannabis card in Tennessee.
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At Tennessee Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 781-5611, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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