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SB 809

Controlled Substances - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Cannabis Act." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

SB 809 legalizes and regulates cannabis in Tennessee while revising criminal penalties and licensing requirements across multiple state code sections.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 809

Legislative bill overview

SB 809, the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," would legalize and regulate cannabis in Tennessee through comprehensive amendments to state law across multiple legal codes. The bill establishes a regulatory framework for cannabis production, distribution, and consumption while modifying criminal penalties and related statutes.

Why is this important

Cannabis legalization represents a significant shift in Tennessee drug policy with broad implications for criminal justice, taxation, healthcare, and business regulation. The bill's passage would affect law enforcement priorities, incarceration rates, state revenue, and potentially conflict with federal law while impacting existing cannabis convictions and expungement eligibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state conflict: Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, creating legal tensions for banks, interstate commerce, and federal funding programs that prohibit assistance to cannabis businesses
  • Criminal justice impact: Questions about retroactive application to past convictions, expungement procedures, and how to address individuals previously incarcerated for cannabis offenses
  • Implementation details unclear: The bill references 11 separate Tennessee Code Annotated titles but specifics on licensing, taxation rates, social equity provisions, workplace safety, and regulatory agency oversight are not detailed in the introduction
  • Public health concerns: Potential effects on youth access, impaired driving enforcement, and medical monitoring standards remain undefined at this legislative stage
  • Local control: Whether municipalities can opt out or establish additional restrictions on cannabis businesses within their jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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