Tennessee lawmaker proposes Freedom to Farm Act to allow home marijuana cultivation – WBIR
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee lawmaker says residents should be able to grow marijuana at home as the state’s 2026 legislative session approaches.
State Representative Antonio Parkinson released his legislative agenda for the upcoming 2026 session, which includes a bill that would allow Tennesseans to grow marijuana. He is naming it the Freedom to Farm Act.
If passed, the legislation would allow one adult in each household to grow 15 marijuana plants on their property.
“Five adult plants, five intermediate plants, and five budding plants, so they can continue to have the supply of marijuana that they need personally. Whether it is for medical purposes or whatever,” said Parkinson, who represents Tennessee District 98.
Parkinson said he wants people to access what they need without taxes added, like in other states that have legalized marijuana to some extent.
“And for them to be able to grow it and supply themselves and not depend on our healthcare system and not depend on government or anyone else and to keep government and our tax system out of their business,” Parkinson said.
The legislation would still make it illegal to sell and distribute marijuana, but legal to possess marijuana that individuals have grown themselves.
Parkinson said the legislation will be strict. Those who choose to grow marijuana will need certified cards, and seeds will only be bought at the state co-op.
“If you are caught violating any rules. You will be prosecuted criminally, and you will never be able to take part in this opportunity again,” Parkinson said.
Parkinson’s announcement comes after President Donald Trump ordered marijuana to be reclassified from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. The process for the change is still underway, and the timeline for when the change will be final could take months.
“So, I expect pushback. But I also look at the timing of things. My colleagues tend to follow the lead of President Trump, and with him lowering the class for marijuana, then maybe they will follow his lead and be on board with this,” Parkinson said.
He added that this legislation will be significant for people suffering from various illnesses.
“I am not a marijuana smoker, but I do know there is some medical benefits to those individuals who suffer from debilitating diseases, medical issues, PTSD,” Parkinson said.
This article was originally published on NBC affiliate station, WMC Action 5 News’ website.
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