Harwell Backs Medical Marijuana In Gubernatorial Bid

NASHVILLE, TN -- Tennessee State House Speaker Beth Harwell, a Nashville Republican, is banking on her support of medical marijuana as a way to break out in tightening race for GOP nomination for governor.

At a Friday press conference, Harwell announced her latest ad will highlight her support for medical cannabis. The ad includes a 2015 clip President Donald Trump saying "I think medical should happen, don't we agree?" while on the campaign trail.

Though Harwell's stance is nothing new - she expressed support for medical cannabis before the most recent session of the General Assembly gaveled in - she is the first major-party candidate for statewide office in Tennessee to use the issue in a campaign ad.

Flanked by two doctors at her Capitol press conference, Harwell noted that medical marijuana has widespread, cross-party support in Tennessee. She poo-pooed the idea that marijuana is a gateway drug, noting that opioids - which experts say can be replaced by medical cannabis - lead to far more later, illicit drug use than does marijuana.

The other three major GOP contenders - U.S. Rep. Diane Black, Franklin businessman Bill Lee and former state economic development commissioner Randy Boyd - are either firm nos on medical pot or believe it needs more research and federal approval. Both Democrats - State Sen. Craig Fitzhugh and former Metro Nashville mayor Karl Dean - support medical marijuana.

Subscribe to Nashville Patch for more local news and real-time alerts

Photo via Tennessee General Assembly