The town of Jonesborough is making history as it votes for the first time on an ordinance that will change cannabis distribution within the community. This move marks a significant step in how Jonesborough plans to align local regulations with state laws, particularly as Tennessee prepares for new legislation to take effect in January.
The upcoming state regulations will shift control of hemp from the Department of Agriculture to the Alcohol and Beverage Commission. These changes will also prohibit the sale of products containing a THC level of 0.3% or more, creating a major impact on small businesses in Jonesborough and beyond.
Mayor Kelly Wolfe stated, “It’s going to end up falling under the state ABC board, and we’re going to try to make our rules and regulations completely compatible.” Wolfe emphasized that while the ordinance was unanimously approved, this decision is not yet final.
“We’re going to have a planning commission that will look at it, as well as a community meeting where the business owners, the planning commission, and our Board of Mayor and Aldermen will all look at it together,” Wolfe explained. This open approach ensures Jonesborough residents and business owners are part of the decision-making process.
As of now, only businesses operating at the first mention of the change in October 2024 are grandfathered in. According to the town attorney, Jonesborough retains the flexibility to adjust that timeline if necessary. Wolfe added, “It is our job to make sure we are sensitive to their interests, their needs, and involve them in the process of this ordinance being developed.”
The mayor hopes to have the ordinance ready for final passage before the new year, ensuring Jonesborough remains compliant with state guidelines while balancing local priorities.
In the same meeting, Jonesborough leaders also voted on a final measure concerning a moratorium on data centers. This two-year moratorium bans data centers and cryptocurrency mining within the town limits. Wolfe explained that this decision allows Jonesborough to establish proper regulations before such industries expand locally.
“The last thing we wanted to do is be caught unprepared,” Wolfe said. “So, we’re saying there’s a pause on those at this point. We’ve given ourselves two years to come up with an ordinance that would regulate what zones they would be available in, if any.”
As Jonesborough continues to evolve, these steps reflect its commitment to thoughtful governance, community engagement, and responsible development ensuring the town remains a forward-thinking leader in Tennessee.