‘FREE ALL CANNABIS FOR TENNESSEANS ACT’ LEGALIZES MARIJUANA, SOME TAXES USED FOR POLICE
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–A Tennessee bill that would legalize the possession of cannabis by adults and the ability to administer marijuana products for children with medical conditions goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the state legislature Tuesday.
SB2598/HB1968 is otherwise known as the “Free All Cannabis for Tennesseans Act.” The bill was sponsored by Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-D20) and Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville-D56) in their respective chambers. The bill creates a structure and regulation for the growing, processing, sale, and possession of marijuana and marijuana products in Tennessee.
Under the bill, adults would be allowed to possess and carry under 60 grams of marijuana or 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. Adults would also be allowed to transfer to one another no more than the same amount. Personally, Tennesseans would also be allowed to grow up to 12 marijuana plants on their property provided certain safeguards are taken.
In addition to personal use, the bill would also allow for parents and legal guardians to provide certain marijuana products to children if used for medical conditions.
Although it would be legalized, the bill does allow for employers to discipline employees for marijuana use in the workplace and consider the use for job applicants. Use of marijuana would also be banned from use in vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and public places.
According to a fiscal note on the bill, the sale of products would be subject to state, local, and use taxes along with an additional 15% marijuana tax. 50% of the additional marijuana tax would go towards enforcement and administration of the law along with economic grant initiatives, 20% to supporting families of fallen officers and officers injured in the line of duty. Another 20% would go to the state employee legacy pension reserve, 5% towards educating young students on the risks of marijuana use, and 5% for administrative costs.