At least it's a graceful way out for advocates of legalizing medical marijuana in Tennessee. In years past, lawmakers have snorted and chuckled, maybe made a joke or two about stoners, then killed the medical marijuana bill almost as fast as a committee chairman can bang his gavel. Next week, it looks like this year's version could go to the state Board of Pharmacy for a year of study. In Tennessee, that's progress. "We're moving the ball forward," says Rep. Jeanne Richardson, D-Memphis. [continues 125 words]
Bernie Ellis Gave Comfort to the Sick and Dying. For That Crime, the Government Means to Take Everything He's Got. Life came unglued for Bernie Ellis on the day drug agents raided his farm like it was the fortified villa of a South American cocaine kingpin. Ellis was bush-hogging around his berry patches when two helicopters swept low over the treetops. Then, rumbling in on four-wheelers, came 10 officers of the Tennessee Marijuana Eradication Task Force. The war on drugs had arrived, literally, in Ellis' backyard. It was a major operation to strike a righteous blow against the devil weed. [continues 3058 words]
