Tennessee medical marijuana patients get both the benefit of cannabis, and the beautiful landscape of southern living. One of the bigger changes to life in the south has been the introduction of Amazon warehouses across the lower half of the United States. Amazon has brought new jobs, new controversies and new challenges for Southern Americans. This month they’ve released a statement describing their stance on cannabis, and their new policy for testing cannabis in employees.
Amazon’s Cannabis Policy Change
In case you’ve been living under a rock or maybe got washed ashore a deserted island for the last 10 years, Amazon has dominated as a retailer worldwide.
They’ve taken over businesses, redesigned industries, and become one of the world’s wealthiest companies.
They’ve also traditionally had a pretty clear stance on cannabis in the workplace – it is not to be tolerated.
But in June 2021, Amazon released a public notice concerning their internal policies on cannabis, and some changes to the way they are approaching not just cannabis use, but legalization as well.
Seemingly overdue considering over 90% of the country believes in some form of legal cannabis use, and over half of the nation already has a program for legal cannabis use.
Amazon employs nearly 1.3 million people worldwide, and over 500,000 in the United States alone. Because half of the country has a legal cannabis program, it’s not surprising that Amazon would reshape its policy on testing for marijuana.
Especially in the south, many states are seeing new Amazon warehouses pop up in their towns, offering new jobs and economic stimulation to often smaller, less populated areas.
While some are excited about the influx of jobs and cash flow, others are concerned with Amazon, a company frequently blasted in the news for questionable working conditions, underpaying employees, and political lobbying for their corporate agendas.
In the public notice, Amazon says they’re changing their drug testing policy by no longer testing employees for marijuana in positions that are not regulated by the Department of Transportation.
This will open the door for more entry level and management positions to be filled by cannabis consumers, now a large group of potential employees in the United States.
Amazon Backs Federal Legalization MORE’s Act
Alongside Amazon’s internal policy change was a brief paragraph mentioning the company’s newfound support for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2021 (MORE Act).
In the notice they mention their public policy team will be “actively supporting” the bill, though what this loose, media-centric language actually means is anyone’s best guess.
What’s particularly interesting about the move from Amazon to back the MORE Act is that the bill isn’t expected to pass.
Many political commentators agree that congress is waiting for a more comprehensive bill proposal from Senator Schumer.
So why would Amazon publicly support a specific bill about cannabis, instead of announcing their support for cannabis legalization in general?
Perhaps Amazon is interested in influencing the MORE Act specifically, maybe they want to limp-in to cannabis legalization by appealing to consumers without publicly supporting real legislative action.
Maybe Amazon wants to launch itself into the cannabis industry and take over.
In truth, only Amazon really knows.
But speculators assume Amazon is probably not moving into the cannabis industry, at least any time soon.
Amazon attempted a run at alcohol and failed several times, seeing success only from their acquisition of Whole Foods as a retailer with alcohol. The tech giant has steered clear from other regulated industries since, avoiding tobacco and CBD altogether.
Since Amazon doesn’t have a history of getting too involved with highly regulated industries, it’s probably safe to assume they won’t be taking over the cannabis world any time soon.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
Tennessee cannabis patients will soon be able to legally purchase low-THC oil and see the relief they need organically.
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.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
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!
Check out Tennessee Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information!