MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just days after Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a new law legalizing medical marijuana, the state’s program appears to be in jeopardy.
We’re following some reports that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) may cut electricity at businesses growing or selling cannabis, even if the owners are following state law.
That’s because the energy giant is focused on following federal law.
The reports have Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen alarmed. He and another lawmaker sent the TVA a letter, calling its position on the issue “outdated” and “an affront” to the overwhelming majority of voters in addition to state lawmakers who voted for medical marijuana.
Cohen said, “by suggesting that these individuals be reported to the department of justice for enforcement, the TVA could be impeding patients from accessing medical cannabis products in accordance with state law, something that the department of justice has been restricted from doing since 2014.”
Cohen is urging TVA to adopt new guidelines immediately, and leave Mississippi’s cannabis program alone.
TVA issued a statement Thursday clarifying their position on the recently signed Mississippi law, saying:
We want to be clear about TVA’s position on the implications to our energy service to Mississippi customers: TVA has an obligation to serve our customers with safe, reliable, low-cost energy and we will continue to do so. There will be no interruption in service because of this newly signed law.
The broader issue is a complex one and represents a conflict between state and federal law. We are looking to the appropriate federal agencies for further clarification and have requested additional guidance.
Our service to our customers remains unchanged and we will continue to carry out our mission.
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