Harwell backs medical marijuana in GOP Tennessee gov race ad

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – State House Speaker Beth Harwell is running a TV ad about supporting medical marijuana as she tries to separate herself from the Republican field for Tennessee governor before the Aug. 2 primary.

In the ad, Harwell says she’s the only Republican gubernatorial candidate who supports doctor-prescribed medical cannabis. The ad includes a 2015 clip of President Donald Trump saying he thinks “medical should happen.”

Alongside two doctors at a news conference Friday, Harwell said she supports use of oils and additives, not smoking marijuana. She said she isn’t supporting recreational marijuana.

Her position is a rare noteworthy policy difference in the field rounded out by ex-state economic development chief Randy Boyd, businessman Bill Lee and Congresswoman Diane Black.

Harwell said it’s a compassionate care issue and said there’s public support.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)