Rep. Jason Powell calls on governor, lawmakers to support special session on medical cannabis
PRESS RELEASE FROM REP. JASON POWELL:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the General Assembly prepares to adjourn this week, State Representative Jason Powell is calling on Governor Bill Lee and members of the Tennessee General Assembly to support a special session focused on medical cannabis.
Powell said the case for action has only grown stronger as federal officials move toward recognizing the medical value of cannabis and as Tennessee continues to study the issue through its own medical cannabis commission.
“For years, Tennesseans have been told to wait,” Powell said. “We created a commission. We studied the issue. We have heard from patients, doctors, and families across this state. At some point, we have to be willing to act.”
Powell emphasized that his proposal is focused on a responsible, physician-directed framework for medical cannabis. “This is not about recreational use,” Powell said. “This is about compassionate care for veterans, cancer patients, and others who are suffering and who deserve access to a safe and regulated medical option.”
Powell has long advocated for medical cannabis in Tennessee and previously sponsored legislation to allow Tennesseans to vote on a comprehensive medical cannabis program.
“The suffering of Tennesseans who could benefit from medical cannabis is more than enough reason to bring lawmakers back to Nashville,” Powell said. “If the Governor chooses not to act, then members of the General Assembly should come together and call a special session ourselves. This issue deserves action this year.”
Powell added that Tennessee should not continue to delay while other states move forward and federal policy shifts.
“The question is simple,” Powell said. “If Tennessee has studied this issue and the medical case is clear, what are we waiting for?”
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