Tennessee Takes Baby Step Toward Medical Marijuana, And Governor Says That’s Far Enough

Tennessee has taken a small step toward legalizing medical marijuana, but Gov. Bill Haslam says he’s not ready for more.

Haslam signed a bill Monday that decriminalizes possession of cannabis oil, a low-potency marijuana extract. The new law is aimed at children who suffer debilitating seizures.

Haslam says he agreed to the measure, House Bill 197, after being convinced by health officials, including state Health Commissioner John Dreyzhner, that cannabis oil could be an effective medical treatment for some conditions.

Haslam says he’s skeptical of other forms of medical marijuana, even though surveys have shown increasing support among Tennesseans.

“We’re not going to make a health care decision based on public polls,” he said. “We’re going to listen to people like John Dreyzhner, whose a public health professional and has some concerns.”

Some Republican lawmakers embrace the idea, however. They could place a medical marijuana plan before the governor as soon as next year.