Tennessee legislators have introduced a pair of "partner bills" (SB1211 and HB0873) that would legalize possession and the "casual," non-monetary exchange of a half ounce of marijuana, according to a report by Marijuana.com. The law would take effect July 1, if passed.
"The bills, sponsored by Republican Harold Love and Senator Jeff Yarbro (both of Nashville), would also change the punishment for 'possession, casual exchange, or distribution' of over an ounce of cannabis from a felony to a misdemeanor and reduce that fine from $5,000 to $100. The bill would not, however, legalize hash or extracted material, commonly known as 'dabs,'" reports Marijuana.com.
The bill can be compared to Washington, D.C.'s legalization measure, passed in November 2014, which legalized possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, as well as the "gifting" of marijuana from one adult to another (but not the sale of marijuana). D.C.'s law, however, also allows home cultivation of the plant.
This is a major step forward for any state, but especially for what is considered a conservative, Southern state, and a major coup for drug policy reform advocates everywhere.
