Cannabis has been removed from the federal government’s most restrictive drug category following a recent executive order by President Donald Trump. The move shifts marijuana from Schedule I, a group reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use, to Schedule III.
While the change marks a significant shift in federal policy, its impact in Tennessee remains uncertain, especially as the state prepares to implement stricter cannabis-related laws.
Tennessee remains among the ten states that prohibit marijuana entirely, including both medical and recreational use. That stance will be reinforced on January 1, when a new state law takes effect regulating hemp-derived products and prohibiting specific forms of THCA. The law is intended to tighten oversight of products currently sold in stores across the state.
The new order broadens opportunities for scientific research into medical cannabis. During the signing, President Trump said the change responds to decades of requests from patients coping with severe and ongoing pain.
Despite the state’s firm position, the federal reclassification has reopened debate among Tennessee lawmakers. Some Republican legislators say they are willing to revisit the issue of medical marijuana if future studies demonstrate clear benefits.
State Senator Heidi Campbell welcomed the federal decision and urged Tennessee leaders to follow suit. She stated that the state has lagged behind national trends and argued that policy should reflect the evolving scientific understanding and the needs of patients.
Some have expressed cautious openness. House Speaker William Lamberth said any adjustments to state law would depend on credible evidence showing legitimate medical use. He emphasized the importance of building laws around solid research when dealing with substances that carry risks.
Senator Mark Pody echoed a similar sentiment, noting that medical cannabis could potentially address health concerns while also reducing incarceration rates linked to drug offenses.
Personal stories are also shaping the conversation. Billy Reichardt, who grew up in Hendersonville and now lives in Florida, said he turned to medical cannabis after years of chronic neck and back pain.
He credits cannabis with easing both his physical discomfort and anxiety. Reichardt said he would like to see similar access in Tennessee, arguing that regulated medical use could help patients while also generating tax revenue and improving oversight.
Not all state leaders agree. Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally has maintained that cannabis remains dangerous and has said he does not believe it offers meaningful medical value.
For now, Tennessee’s cannabis laws remain unchanged. However, with federal policy shifting and lawmakers signaling renewed interest, the issue is expected to resurface when the legislature reconvenes. Whether that discussion leads to reform or reinforces the state’s current approach remains to be seen.
Cannabis firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be tracking the debates around the U.S. in the wake of the federal change to the classification of marijuana to see whether the new development triggers broader drug policy reforms.
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