House Bill 703, known as the “Pot for Potholes Act,” has been rejected by a House subcommittee.
Filed last month by State Representative Aftyn Behn (D), the bill would have established a regulated recreational marijuana market in Tennessee, with tax revenue directed toward infrastructure improvements, particularly road maintenance and repairs. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee rejected the measure today by a vote of 2 to 5.
The proposed law, which still has a senate companion still alive (Senate Bill 921), would create a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and retail sale of marijuana for those 21 and older. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture would oversee licensing, product testing, and labeling standards. Under the proposal, individuals would be allowed to cultivate up to 12 plants for personal use without a license.
The Senate version of the bill, filed by State Senator Heidi Campbell (D), currently awaits committee consideration.
