Let’s chat a minute about the legalization of medical marijuana.
30 states have made medical marijuana available to its citizens. Tennessee has a lot to gain by doing the same. Here’s a quick assessment of the top 4 benefits.
First, the medical benefit.
To date, marijuana has shown to treat or prevent:
— glaucoma
— epileptic seizures, and other seizure disorders
— anxiety
— pain from MS, post-polio syndrome, and other muscle spasm disorders
— inflammatory bowel disease
—arthritis pain
—symptoms of lupus
—tremors from Parkinson’s disease
—symptoms of PTSD
—pain and nausea from chemotherapy, including return of appetite
Additionally, it is possible that marijuana can:
—decelerate the spread of cancer
—improve lung health and reverse the carcinogenic effect of tobacco
—slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
—reduce the side effects of Hepatitis C and increase treatment effectiveness
—reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease
These reasons alone are enough to seriously consider the possibility of medical marijuana, and engage in aggressive research, instead of opposing the idea entirely based on illogical and outdated reasons.
Second, the business and tax benefit.
There is all the opportunity that accompanies an entirely new industry. Entrepreneurs, farmers, dispensaries, equipment providers, researchers, all would benefit, and the potential tax benefit to the state is tremendous. States like Colorado and Washington have used this revenue to improve schools, fund higher education, and repair roads. More than half of US states have medical marijuana, and as more states follow that lead, here in the south Tennessee now has the opportunity to be on the leading edge of the cultivation and development.
Third, the humanitarian benefit.
There are more opioid prescriptions than there are people in Tennessee. Medical marijuana gives us a definitive path to treat the out-of-control opioid epidemic which has manifested throughout our society in every economic and social strata. More Tennesseans died from opioid overdose in 2015 than died in car accidents. Research is showing that medical marijuana can treat opioid addiction safely and effectively.
Finally, there is the criminal justice reform benefit.
Black Americans are 3.7 times, and in some areas 8 times, more likely than white Americans to be arrested for cannabis possession. Time spent on marijuana arrests and processing diverts police resources, and a criminal history of possession can lead to lost employment or housing, rejection for student loans, and lost driver’s licenses.
Neither of my Republican opponents (primary Jan 25) has made a statement in support of medical marijuana. Being “open to it” is an insult and a classic politicians’ brushoff.
I can type volumes about my position on this. This note from a mother in my district, however, says everything:
I'm a 49-yr-old now-disabled Critical Care Nurse. I miss caring for people everyday and pray that maybe one day I'll be healed and able to serve others. Which I believe is exactly what a Senator should do also, serve the constituents of their state.
Due to a muscle disease which leaves me in chronic continuous pain and debilitating migraines I suffer daily, I am enslaved by "big pharma" to take multiple pills daily that not only barely help but have horrid side effects.
I visited Las Vegas and tried medicating myself with marijuana. I was astounded! I was able to enjoy vacay without taking pills and side effects and I was present, really really present with my children. I cried at the airport knowing when the pain returned I would be forced once again to take multiple pills from "big pharma" and that "present" mother would slip away.
I pray one day that an elected official would stand, really stand, not only on a state level but on a federal level, to have marijuana changed from Schedule 1, and open up real valid research to learn the full extent of this plant’s life saving benefits.
Is that you, Gayle?
Are you truly interested in saving and changing lives? Are you willing to stand against the forces that lied about this plant that can really save lives?
Yes, Diana, I am.
I believe it is past time for Tennessee to consider legalizing medical marijuana, and the facts and data support that conclusion. It’s the moral, just, and compassionate thing to do.
I’m Gayle Jordan and I’m running for State Senate in TN’s 14th district.
Tennessee 2018 - Gayle Jordan