Senate Bill 809, known as the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of cannabis in Tennessee by introducing a new chapter to the Tennessee Code Annotated under Title 43. The bill defines key terms related to cannabis, such as "Adult," "Cannabis," "Advertising," and "Batch number," and outlines the roles of various entities in the cannabis industry, including growers, processors, and dispensaries. It also specifies regulations for personal use, allowing adults to possess and cultivate marijuana under certain conditions, and provides protections for individuals engaging in authorized conduct. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Health to create rules for licensing and enforcement, ensuring safety and compliance within the industry.

The legislation also includes significant amendments to existing laws, such as the deletion of specific subsections that classify marijuana offenses and the introduction of provisions to protect healthcare practitioners from adverse actions based on positive THC-COOH tests. It outlines a process for the immediate release of individuals incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses, provided they do not have concurrent sentences for more serious crimes. The bill allows for local taxation on marijuana sales and prioritizes licensing for disadvantaged and veteran-owned businesses. Overall, the Tennessee Cannabis Act reflects a shift towards legalization and a more lenient approach to marijuana-related offenses, aiming to create a structured and regulated cannabis industry in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-3-610(a), 4-3-610, 4-7-115, 29-38-104, 38-6-108, 39-17-402(12), 39-17-402, 39-17-415(a), 39-17-415, 39-17-417, 39-17-418, 39-17-428(b), 39-17-428, 40-32-101(g)(1), 40-32-101, 41-1-118, 67-4-2802, 67-4-2803, 67-4-2804, 71-3-1201(4), 71-3-1201, 63-1-126