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SB 489

Health Care - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act," which establishes a medical cannabis program to be administered by the Tennessee medical cannabis program commission. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 38, Chapter 3; Title 39, Chapter 17; Title 43; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Tennessee bill creates regulated medical cannabis program administered by state commission; currently stalled after failing Senate Judiciary Committee vote in February.

Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee / no second
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Bill Summary · SB 489

Legislative bill overview

SB 489 proposes to establish Tennessee's first medical cannabis program, creating a regulatory framework administered by a new Tennessee Medical Cannabis Program Commission. The bill would amend multiple sections of state law across healthcare, criminal justice, and regulatory codes to implement this program.

Why is this important

Medical cannabis legalization could provide alternative treatment options for patients with qualifying conditions while generating potential tax revenue. However, it represents a significant shift in Tennessee drug policy and raises questions about implementation, patient access, banking relationships, and federal-state legal conflicts since cannabis remains federally illegal.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state conflict: Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, creating legal exposure for the state, program administrators, and patients despite state legalization
  • Program implementation complexity: Establishing licensing, cultivation, distribution, testing, and enforcement systems requires substantial regulatory infrastructure and funding
  • Access and equity concerns: Questions about who qualifies for medical use, pricing affordability, geographic access, and whether social equity provisions protect disadvantaged communities
  • Law enforcement implications: Unclear how criminal justice codes will be amended and whether prior convictions will be addressed
  • Banking and financial barriers: Federal banking restrictions on cannabis businesses may complicate the program's financial viability

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

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