House sends cannabis oil study bill to Haslam

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - With no discussion, the House today sent to Gov. Bill Haslam a bill authorizing a limited, four-year study of the effectiveness of cannabis oil on certain types of intractable seizures.

Representatives voted 97-0 for the bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah.

The bill authorizes hospitals affiliated with university medical schools to conduct studies on the impact of low-THC content cannabis oil on certain types of seizures.

THC, that is, tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical that gives pot smokers their "high." Carter and other proponents say users could drink "gallons" of the oil without getting a psychoactive reaction.

Last week, senators approved the bill, sponsored by Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga on a 23-4 vote.

The bill authorizes Tennessee Tech to cultivate marijuana with the very low TCH content.

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