NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Tennessee Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) is pushing for a special session on medical marijuana.
Powell is calling on Gov. Bill Lee and other leaders to support a special session on cannabis as the General Assembly’s 2026 session winds down.
He said that action is needed as federal officials move toward recognizing the medical value of cannabis.
“For years, Tennesseans have been told to wait. We created a commission. We studied the issue. We have heard from patients, doctors, and families across this state. At some point, we have to be willing to act.”
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He says that this push isn’t about recreational use, but for the care of veterans, cancer patients and more.
“If Tennessee has studied this issue and the medical case is clear, what are we waiting for? Powell asked.
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Earlier this week, a bill was passed in the state dictating how Tennessee would respond if the federal government changes its stance on marijuana.
One part of the bill says that if the federal government changes marijuana‘s classification as a controlled substance, it will not immediately mean the drug will be legal to use in Tennessee. Instead, Tennesseans will have to wait on lawmakers to create a framework for its use before the reclassification is applied at the state level.
That bill is now on its way to the governor’s desk. If he signs it, the plan will become law.
The amendment on federal marijuana classification was added to a bill that’s focused on urging the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to study whether the state is prepared to support a medical marijuana program.
In December of 2025, Pres. Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying cannabis federally, loosening restrictions on marijuana. Previously, it was classified as a Schedule I drug; it will now be considered a Schedule III drug.
Across the country, 24 states, three territories and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana recreationally and 40 states and another territory allow medical use.
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