A new bill aimed at putting an end to gas stations selling what is blatantly drug paraphernalia is moving forward. State Representative Mike Sparks tells us House Bill 0225 will add language to the current law that should help target nuisance activity.

Deciding what drug paraphernalia is and what it isn’t is pretty easy to do for the average person. However, when you put the definitions down on paper is when the subject becomes a little blurred.

To highlight an example, rolling papers for those who roll their own tobacco cigarettes are not drug paraphernalia, unless marijuana is used with the rolling papers. The same is true for a bong. We all know that bongs are used to smoke pot in, but could you smoke tobacco in one? The answer is “YES.” With that being said, bongs are considered drug paraphernalia ONLY if drug residue is found on them. As far as the gas stations go, the item that appear to be crack pipes and bongs are only crack pipes and bongs IF a picture of crack or marijuana is seen in the same display as the smoking materials.

The senate companion of the bill has been placed on the calendar. 

Source:

House Bill 0225 (Read the Bill)

State Rep. Mike Sparks, Smyrna, TN – Republican