Here's everything you need to know about legal weed in Tennessee. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legal recreational marijuana. Since then, more states have followed suit, either legal recreational or medical marijuana or both. However, Tennessee is not one of them.
Currently, possession of any amount of marijuana is illegal in Tennessee, and law enforcement can charge individuals with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount and circumstances. However, in recent years, there have been attempts to change this status quo.
In 2015, Tennessee passed a law allowing limited medical use of cannabis oil for certain medical conditions. However, the law had strict restrictions and did not legal medical marijuana in general.
In 2019, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill to regulate and tax hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD. The law makes it illegal to sell these products to anyone under 21, but it does not affect the status of marijuana.
On today's Commissioner Corner, Rutherford County Commissioner Craig Harris discussed the idea of legal marijuana. He pointed out that the state could potentially benefit from tax revenue, while also addressing the issue of criminal justice reform. However, he also acknowledged that there are legitimate concerns about public safety and addiction.
While it applies to all residents of the state, one advocacy group says the prohibition of marijuana negatively impacts veterans. The group argues that veterans with PTSD and other conditions could benefit from medical marijuana, but they are often unable to access it due to legal barriers.
In 2021, Tennessee lawmakers introduced several bills related to marijuana legal. One would legal marijuana for all Tennesseans, while another would legal medical and adult-use cannabis. However, these bills face opposition from some lawmakers and interest groups.
As of now, Tennessee remains one of the few remaining states with no legal medical marijuana. A state Senate committee recently rejected a bill that would have allowed medical marijuana for certain conditions. However, advocates are not giving up and continue to push for change.
If Tennessee were to legal marijuana, it could have significant impacts on the state's economy, healthcare system, and criminal justice system. However, it would also require careful planning and regulation to ensure public safety and prevent abuse.
In conclusion, legal weed in Tennessee is still a contentious issue with no clear resolution in sight. However, it is important to stay informed about the current laws, proposed legislation, and potential impacts. By doing so, we can have a more informed and constructive conversation about this important issue.
