Tennessee Lawmaker Puts Home Cannabis Cultivation Among 2026 Legislative Priorities

A Tennessee lawmaker included a proposal to legalize home cannabis cultivation among his 2026 legislative priorities, WMC reports. The Freedom to Farm Act, which Democratic State Rep. Antonio Parkinson intends to propose this legislative session, would allow one adult in each household to grow up to 15 cannabis plants for personal use. 

“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.” — Parkinson to WMC 

The bill would not allow homegrown cannabis to be sold or otherwise distributed. It would require certification for people who grow cannabis and that the seeds be bought at a state co-op.  

“If you are caught violating any rules, you will be prosecuted criminally,” Parkinson told WMC, “and you will never be able to take part in this opportunity again.” 

Parkinson added that home cannabis cultivation would be significant for people with medical conditions. 

“I am not a marijuana smoker,” he said to WMC, “but I do know there is some medical benefits to those individuals who suffer from debilitating diseases, medical issues, PTSD.” 

The bill has not yet been formally introduced.