Key Lawmaker Decides Medical Marijuana Needs Another Year Of Study In Tennessee

Plans to make marijuana legal for medicinal use appear unlikely to go anywhere this year in the Tennessee legislature, after one of the lawmakers behind the effort says he needs more time to build support.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, says he plans to turn his proposal to allow medical marijuana and other plans like it over to a task force that will meet after this year's legislative session. Faison has been a major supporter of medical marijuana, and he claims, in private, many lawmakers tell him they're ready to embrace it.

"I've talked to enough people who are like, 'Jeremy, if it comes to me, I'll vote for it, but I'm not going to get out in front of it'," he says. "A lot of my colleagues are scared of it."

Faison points the finger at state senators. He believes another year of study will give backers of medical marijuana a chance to provide more testimony and build their case.

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