Bills introduced to legalize recreational, medical cannabis in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee lawmakers are making another push to legalize recreational and medical cannabis in the Volunteer State.
On Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) introduced SB 0809, which is the Tennessee Cannabis Act. The act is an amendment to allow for personal or recreational marijuana use while creating rules for dispensaries to produce, distribute and sell cannabis products.
The act allows an adult (someone 21 years of age or older) to personally use, possess and transport marijuana, but no more than 60 grams of it. It would also allow for the personal cultivation of no more than 12 marijuana plants in an adult’s home, as long as they’re in a secure area.
Marijuana would also be permitted to grow and sell cannabis products in Tennessee. You can read the Tennessee Cannabis Act by clicking here for a look at the full rules and proposed changes to current law.
Alongside the Tennessee Cannabis Act is the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act, which was brought forth by Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester).
HB 0872 is the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act, which, would authorize access to medical cannabis on a regulated basis for patients with qualifying medical conditions. It also would allow for the production, distribution and sale of medical cannabis in the state.
“The broad purpose of the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act is to increase low-cost public health options, alleviate suffering, develop agricultural business, incentivize research of THC benefits, and expeditiously license and track medical cannabis from cultivation to point of sale within the boundaries of this state,” the bill reads.