My relationship with cannabis began at a young age. Rather than giving me a high, it provided relief; it lifted my spirits. More importantly, I noticed no significant side effects that accompanied its usage. Today, I am a medical cannabis user via Missouri, but I continue to face consequences in my home state, Tennessee, where the use of this natural remedy is still deemed ILLEGAL. I currently,work in the cannabis industry in Missouri. I learned that in the first year or recreational sales. Missouri brought in 1.2 billion . 930 million of that was from recreational use. In simpler words.  People from other states besides Missouri. 

In my personal and professional opinion. At least 1/3 of the 930 million come from Tennessee. Which could have be kept in our state. If Tennessee would legalize cannabis. That is a ton of loss in taxes ,which could help support law enforcement and schools systems. 

 Another interesting little fact is that Tennessee ranks number ten poorest state in the country. Of the top ten poorest states only one has legalized cannabis. That state is Kentucky, who just legalized med cannabis. Only twelve states have no legalized cannabis and those states are the poorest in the country. 🤔

NO ONE SHOULD BE IN JAIL FOR A PLANT!

This petition is a call to action to legalize both medical and recreational use of cannabis in Tennessee. My own experience is just a small part of the larger picture. The prohibition of cannabis brings along with it a host of negative implications. People like myself who found solace in its medicinal use are criminalized. A study from the American Civil Liberties Union in 2020 revealed that, despite similar usage rates across races, Black people are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people.

It's time to change the narrative. It's time for Tennessee to join the 34 states that have already legalized medical cannabis, and the 14 that have legalized it for recreational use. The benefits are multi-faceted. Not only could legalizing cannabis reduce unnecessary arrests, but it could also boost the state's economy. Colorado, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2012, generated over $1 billion in total state revenue from the legal marijuana industry.

The cannabis industry created half million jobs in the country, since 2023. Colorado gdp increased by 4.4% the first year of legalization and has had significant increases every year since legalization.

I found that 24 states, three territories, and D.C. have legalized recreational use. 38 states total have legalized cannabis. The state of Missouri took in 67.36 million dollars in cannabis sales tax.

Therefore, I urge you to join the fight. Let's stand together for the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in Tennessee. Your signature can be a significant step towards making this change. Sign this petition now.