Tennessee currently has a Medical Marijuana law being considered by the state legislature. The proposals (HB1284 & SB1248) have been brought forth by Republicans, and were at first thought to be a step in the right direction.
Unfortunately, these bills have a poison pill built in that would severely restrict the independence and freedom of movement for cardholder. The bills would require that cardholders surrender their drivers' licenses as a condition of receiving much needed relief for all recipients, regardless of physical or mental fitness for such activity. The reasoning behind this is "these people aren't driving anyway" according to Ryan Williams, House Health Subcommittee Chairman. Oh really? Just because people are sick doesn't mean they aren't driving. The bill ignores that most of Tennessee's residents don't have access to public transportation, and the only way to get anywhere is to drive.
I have never heard of anyone that has been prescribed opiates, Xanax, Percosette, or sleep inducers like Ambien being required to give up their license. What do they think - that someone with an MMJ card will go all "Reefer Madness"? Or isn't the real point to withhold medicine that is more beneficial, natural, and not manufactured through some mysterious chemical poisoning process?
Access would also be limited to allow only narrow delivery mechanisms of nebulizers, gel-tabs and time-release patches.
The bill includes no option for patients growing their own medicine, and getting the full benefit of the plant. Can't have them actually enjoying it, can we now?
The bill can be viewed at Dickersonbill.pdf