SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-566

A resolution expressing the Metropolitan Council’s support for the Medical Cannabis Access Act medical cannabis legislation, SB 0803/HB 0495 and SB 1119/HB 0830, currently pending before the Tennessee General Assembly.

WHEREAS, Senator Steve Dickerson of Nashville, Tennessee and Representative Jeremy Faison of Cosby, Tennessee have announced an intention to introduce legislation before the Tennessee General Assembly to legalize cannabis for medical purposes; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sara Kyle of Memphis and Representative Sherry Jones of Nashville have also recently introduced legislation before the Tennessee General Assembly to legalize marijuana for medical purposes for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, at this time, twenty-eight (28) states have legalized marijuana cannabis for medicinal uses; and

WHEREAS, this such legislation will allow physicians to provide treatment for citizens of Nashville suffering from a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and seizures; and

WHEREAS, in light of the opioid epidemic currently afflicting Tennessee and the nation, it is important to look for alternative sources for pain management; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would bring much needed relief to individuals suffering from medical conditions residing in Nashville and Davidson County and across the state of Tennessee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting the state legislation proposed under the Medical Cannabis Act, SB 0803/ HB 0495 and the Medical Cannabis Access Act, SB 1119 / HB 0830, both pending before the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan County Council further requests that the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly support the Medical Cannabis Act, SB 0803 / HB 0495 and the Medical Cannabis Access Act, SB 1119 / HB 0830, and as well as any such legislation that further ensures the health of residents of Davidson County.

Section 3. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Scott Davis, Mina Johnson