Allison Barker Watson is a former Tennessee assistant district attorney for the 13th Judicial District. She is also a board member of the Tennessee Research Institute and a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

A Republican-sponsored bill that would make three or more convictions for simple possession or casual exchange of marijuana a misdemeanor rather than a felony passed a key hurdle on Tuesday.

With a unanimous 9-0 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would make changes to the prosecution of those found guilty of possessing marijuana and other controlled substances three or more times.

The move is expected to decrease the state's incarceration costs by as much as $2 million, according to the bill's fiscal note.

The change  comes as part of a package deal. The heart of the bill was actually centered on enhancing the state's DUIs laws.

Supporters of legal marijuana hope to spur action on an issue they say has broad support in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Cannabis Coalition met Sunday night in Nashville to gear up for the upcoming legislative session.

The activist group said 76 percent of Tennesseans support medical marijuana.

They hope increased awareness will lead to voting on the issue.

The coalition said the positive news from states that have legalized marijuana could help raise awareness here in Tennessee.

"The data that's coming out of Colorado is incredibly promising," said Tennessee Cannabis Coalition founder Cecily Friday-Shamim.

TENNESSEE (December 17, 2015)- Michael Brooks is a resident of a small town in Tennessee where any form of cannabis use is illegal, including medical marijuana, found a cure for his life-threatening hepatitis c by using cannabis oil. Michael learned that he had hepatitis c several years ago after suffering physical issues to the point of being unable to participate in his two young sons lives most days. At one point Brooks was bleeding from his eyes due to acquired hemophilia as a result of hepatitis c. Michael was taking all of the traditional pharmaceuticals he could in hopes of finding some relief to no avail. Michael shared, “I have been known to smoke cannabis, but had never heard of cannabis oil”.

A bill to increase access to medicinal marijuana is in the works by a Tennessee lawmaker. Tennessee state representative Jeremy Faison recently helped pass legislation legalizing the use of CBD oil for those with conditions like epilepsy, but he wants to broaden its reach to many others, including veterans with PTSD.

Joseph Santolla was diagnosed with PTSD after and IED exploded next to his vehicle during his deployment in Iraq. Ever since he's struggled with the pain and anxiety that can follow.

"You're literally transported back to where you were at the time that you were fearing for your life," Santolla said.

He said he understands both sides of the argument, but he says he thinks it would be worth a shot.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A Nashville couple was arrested Tuesday after a marijuana grow operation was reportedly found during the eviction of a parolee.

Metro police say Timothy Carlton and his girlfriend Joey Guilds, 39, were arrested at a home on Streamfield Court in Antioch.

Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department

Detectives were called to the scene by deputies serving an eviction on Carlton.

According to a press release from the police department, 4 marijuana plants were found along with five mason jars containing one ounce of weed each, more than 20 weed cigarettes, a few small baggies of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

A total of more than four pounds of marijuana was recovered. Also seized was $299 cash.

Throughout the month of October, farmers begin to harvest their inaugural hemp yields.

(WBIR - PARROTTSVILLE) Throughout the month of October, farmers begin to harvest their inaugural hemp yields. Throughout the state, farms are seeing different results.

Charles Mason owns Happy Holler Hemp Farm in Parrottsville. His farm is the second biggest hemp farm in the state.

He had bad luck on his first crop. It was so small Mason was unable to harvest it.

"Should have held off for the upcoming year and made more plans rather than just rushing into it," said Mason.

The season started this year with great fanfare.

Alaska

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in Alaska include:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Multiple sclerosis
• Pain
• Seizures

For a complete list of qualifying conditions and guidelines, please refer to Alaska’s application for medical marijuana registry

Arizona

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in Arizona include:

Marijuana is illegal in Tennessee, but when and if the law changes, the business opportunities will be vast — along with the risks.

The marijuana market is spurring the creation of hundreds of new businesses in marijuana-friendly states, according to Taylor West, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. Those are the growers and sellers, but also the many ancillary businesses supporting the industry.

“There are quite a lot (of opportunities), given it’s a $3 billion industry and growing,” she said, speaking to a crowd of entrepreneurs at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s NERVE conference in Nashville on Friday.