New Cannabis Bill for Adults Introduced in Tennessee

The Tennessee Legislature is considering a new measure that would legalize cannabis for individuals 21 and older, impose a 15% sales tax, and permit up to 12 plants to be grown at home.

On Tuesday, a bill to legalize cannabis for adult use was submitted to the Tennessee Senate. Under the Tennessee Cannabis Act, a maximum of 60 grams of flower and 15 grams of concentrate could be personally possessed by people 21 years of age and older, and up to 12 plants could be grown at home.

The plan would give the Department of Agriculture control over the sector. Sales of cannabis for adult use would be subject to a 15% excise tax, with the proceeds going to the state general budget and administrative expenses.

For those imprisoned for non-violent cannabis crimes, the law also provides for immediate release and pardon. If two-thirds of a municipality's voters approve a referendum before September 30, 2025, local governments would be permitted to choose not to sell cannabis; these prohibitions would lapse yearly until they are renewed.

60% of Tennessee voters, including Republicans and Democrats, supported legalizing cannabis for adult use in the state, according to a Vanderbilt Poll published last year. State Representative Larry Miller and State Senator Jeff Yarbro presented the Tennessee Cannabis Act in the House and Senate, respectively.

Tennessee is one of just 12 states without a full medical cannabis law; however, it does have a restricted regulation that permits patients to utilize CBD products.