Tennessee
In July 2023, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill that legalizes the possession and use of CBD oil for medical purposes. The bill also establishes a system for the regulation of CBD oil production and distribution. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.
This is a significant step forward for cannabis reform in Tennessee. It is the first time that the state has legalized any form of cannabis for medical use.
The passage of this bill is a positive sign that the state is moving in the direction of cannabis reform.
Current Legislation
Recreational marijuana: Recreational marijuana is not legal in Tennessee. However, there have been several bills introduced in the Tennessee legislature to legalize recreational marijuana. The most recent bill, SB 1104, was introduced in January 2023. The bill would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and grow up to 4 plants per household. It would also create a state-regulated market for the sale of marijuana products.
Medical marijuana: Medical marijuana has been legal in Tennessee since 2020. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state and purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.
Qualifying conditions: Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS.
Possession: Patients with a medical marijuana card are allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 6 plants per household.
Sale: Marijuana products can only be sold to patients with a medical marijuana card from licensed dispensaries.
Dispensaries: There are currently 12 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries operating in Tennessee. The first dispensary opened in Nashville in February 2021, and the most recent dispensary opened in Chattanooga in January 2023.
Regulation: The Tennessee Department of Health oversees the state's medical marijuana program. The department has issued regulations that establish standards for the cultivation, processing, and dispensing of medical marijuana.
Advocates: There are a number of groups that advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Tennessee. These groups include the Tennessee Cannabis Association, the Marijuana Policy Project, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee.
Opponents: There are also a number of groups that oppose the legalization of marijuana in Tennessee. These groups include the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association.
The future: The future of cannabis legislation in Tennessee is uncertain. The state legislature is expected to continue considering bills to legalize recreational and medical marijuana. It is possible that the legislature will pass legislation to legalize marijuana in the near future. However, it is also possible that the legislature will not pass legislation to legalize marijuana, or that the governor will veto any legislation that is passed.
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