As the drug overdose deaths continue to climb, we have heard more and more sheriffs and law enforcement officers across the state say, “We can’t arrest ourselves out of this problem.” That the criminal justice system plays an important role but not the only role. That there are many, many factors in the overdose epidemic.
In May 2023, Governor Lee signed SB 378/HB 403, which imposed significant regulations on the production and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-8, Delta-10 and all other compounds known as cannabimimetics, which have effects on the same neurological system as marijuana.
My guest this month is Karen Pershing, executive director of Metro Drug Coalition. In the last legislative session, Karen played a significant role in pushing for a bill that reduced the barrier to opening new syringe service programs in rural Tennessee.
