Pubdate: Thu, 31 Aug 2017
Source: Tennessean, The (Nashville, TN)
Copyright: 2017 The Tennessean
Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/SITES/OPINION/submit-editor.shtml
Website: http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: Jeffrey H. Levy

BETH HARWELL'S CHANGING MARIJUANA STANCE

I was truly amazed when I heard that Beth Harwell, erstwhile
gubernatorial candidate and reefer madness maven, said she was "open"
to medicinal cannabis here in Tennessee.

This is a major reversal of policy for Ms. Harwell.

What changed her mind? She says her sister's positive experience with
state legal medicinal cannabis products in Colorado while recovering
from a broken back made her rethink the issue.

Thousands of Tennesseans have, for years now, been asking Ms. Harwell
and her fellow Republicans for a medical cannabis program, as can be
found in 29 other states so far, to treat illnesses such as my wife's
multiple sclerosis. For years now, our pleas have fallen on deaf
Republican ears.

The latest polls showing over 80 percent approval for medicinal
cannabis here in Tennessee have a lot more to do with Beth Harwell's
"change of heart" than her newfound sense of empathy for sick and
suffering Tennesseans.

We need a governor who cares about the welfare of all our citizens,
not merely those to whom he or she is directly related.

Jeffrey H. Levy, Hendersonville 37075
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MAP posted-by: Matt