Tennessee lawmakers push for legalization of recreational and medical cannabis

Tennessee is trying again to legalize recreational and medical cannabis. Proposed legislation, the Tennessee Cannabis Act and the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act, aim to create a regulated market for personal and therapeutic use.

Authorize access to medical cannabis

The Republican representative Iris Rudder presented the Bill HB 0872, the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act. This bill aims to authorize access to medical cannabis for patients suffering from qualified pathologies, by providing them with a regulated and legal way to obtain cannabis-based therapeutic treatments.

According to the text of the bill: «The general purpose of Tennessee's medical cannabis law is to increase low-cost public health options, to relieve suffering, to develop agricultural business, to encourage research on the benefits of THC, and to accelerate the licensing and tracking of medical cannabis from cultivation to point-of-sale, within the State.»

The proposed law would also establish a Statewide licensing and tracking system to regulate the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis.

In February 2024, 39 U.S. states authorize medical cannabis use.

Tennessee Cannabis Act: Legalize adult use

Democratic senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) presented the Bill SB 0809, also known as Tennessee Cannabis Act, which aims to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over.

The bill proposes that individuals be allowed to use, possess, and transport up to 60 grams of cannabis. In addition, it would authorize the Home culture of up to 12 plants, provided they are cultivated in a safe location.

The bill also provides for creation of dispensaries in charge of production, distribution, and sales of cannabis products in Tennessee. This measure aims to regulate and control the market while ensuring that economic benefits remain within the state.

A date, 25 US states allow adult cannabis use.

A step towards cannabis reform in Tennessee?

While previous attempts to enact similar legislation have met with some opposition, continued pressure for reform may eventually pay off. If adopted, these measures could offer new business opportunities, improve the Public health options and contribute to the State tax revenue.

The coming months will determine if Tennessee follows the lead of other states that have adopted the cannabis legalization, or if the resistance blocks these efforts once again.