Tennessee Senate Approves Bill Requiring Study on Medical Marijuana Program, Addressing Federal Rescheduling Trigger
- The Tennessee Senate approved Senate Bill 1603, mandating a comprehensive study on the potential implementation of a medical marijuana program in the state.
- The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) is tasked with conducting the study, evaluating the implementation process and readiness of state and local agencies.
- All state departments and agencies must cooperate with TACIR, and the commission must submit its findings to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026.
- The bill includes a provision preventing automatic state rescheduling of marijuana in response to federal rescheduling, requiring legislative action before any regulatory changes.
The Tennessee Senate has approved legislation requiring a comprehensive study on the potential implementation of a medical marijuana program, while also setting conditions on how the state will respond to the federal rescheduling of marijuana. Senate Bill 1603 passed the full Senate today by a vote of 21 to 12.
As originally introduced, SB 1603 would require the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a detailed study examining what it would take for the state to establish a medical marijuana program. The study is tasked with evaluating both the process for implementation and the operational readiness of state and local agencies to support such a system.
Under the legislation, all relevant state departments and agencies would be required to assist TACIR upon request, ensuring the commission has access to the data and cooperation needed to complete the review. The findings must be submitted to members of the General Assembly no later than November 1, 2026 .
In addition to mandating the study, the amended version of the bill adds a provision addressing potential federal action on marijuana scheduling. Under current Tennessee law, marijuana would be automatically rescheduled under state law once it is moved to Schedule III federally. The amended measure would block that trigger from taking effect for marijuana, instead requiring the state legislature to first establish a regulatory framework before it can take effect.
With Senate approval secured, SB 1603 will now move to the House for further consideration.