By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
“Reefer Madness” is a 1936 movie that has gained cult status and also been called “one of the worst movies of all time,” a propaganda film meant to scare teens from the demon weed.
Here we are, 90 years later and in a recent legislative hearing on the efficacy of legalizing medical marijuana, representatives for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sounded like they were auditioning for a reboot of “Reefer Madness.”
One called the herb “a significant threat to public safety” and tied its usage to violent crime.
Lawmakers, who are discussing pot’s use for a limited set of conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease and sickle sell anemia, weren’t buying it. Republicans and Democrats on the committee questioned TBI’s claims, reports Adam Friedman.
In other news:
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added the 9th Congressional District and state Rep. Justin J. Pearson’s campaign to its “Red to Blue” program, targeting the seat for a win.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Sen. Ferrell Haile, a Gallatin Republican, right, is leading the charge for a narrow medical marijuana program in Tennessee. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
Tennessee lawmakers began hearings on medical marijuana program. TBI rep calls weed “dangerous drug”
by Adam Friedman
Tennessee lawmakers held hearings last week to discuss implementing a limited medical marijuana program, but the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation remains the most vocal opposition, calling weed “a dangerous drug.”
NEWS AND NOTES
Trump drops longtime aversion to mail-in voting with GOP trailing in polls | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
US House Dems’ campaign chief predicts they’ll gain majority control in midterms | Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Tennessee state Sen. Janice Bowling, a Tullahoma Republican, endorsed a conservative independent candidate for governor rather than Republican Party nominee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Adam Friedman
Veteran state Sen. Janice Bowling, a Tullahoma Republican, is backing conservative independent gubernatorial candidate David Hatley, spurning her party and leading to speculation about her future.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
A federal judge on Sept. 30, 2026 dismissed a challenge to a Tennessee law that criminalizes “harboring” immigrants brought by Lutheran churches. Rev. Rick Roberts, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Donelson and Rev. Matt Steinhauer, interim pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Franklin, pictured here, protested the measure when it was introduced in 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Anita Wadhwani
Chief District Judge William Campbell, Jr. ruled last week a Tennessee law that makes it a felony to “harbor” immigrants without legal status remains enforceable, dismissing a legal challenge brought by Lutheran churches.
ICYMI
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