Senate Bill 489, known as the "Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act," establishes a regulated framework for the cultivation, distribution, and use of medical cannabis in Tennessee. The bill creates the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Program Commission, which will oversee the licensing of businesses in the medical cannabis industry and manage a patient registry system set to be operational by January 1, 2026. It outlines qualifications for patients and caregivers to obtain medical cannabis cards, specifies qualifying medical conditions, and emphasizes compliance with state regulations throughout the cannabis supply chain. The act also supersedes existing state laws that conflict with its provisions, providing legal protection for compliant individuals.

Key provisions include the issuance of provisional licenses for medical cannabis operations, a taxation structure with a 9% medical cannabis tax and a 10% excise tax, and the establishment of a secure online registry for patient and license information. The commission will consist of twelve members with specific qualifications and will be responsible for creating rules for the issuance and revocation of medical cannabis cards, as well as conducting inspections for license approvals. The bill also includes regulations for cultivation, production, and labeling of medical cannabis products, ensuring consumer safety and compliance with health and safety standards. Overall, the legislation aims to comprehensively regulate the medical cannabis industry while ensuring adherence to local and state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-248