Tennessee lawmaker proposes Freedom to Farm Act to allow home marijuana cultivation

OG article by Imani Williams

December 30, 2025

State Representative Antonio Parkinson, representing Tennessee District 98, has proposed the Freedom to Farm Act for the 2026 legislative session. The bill would permit one adult per household to cultivate up to 15 marijuana plants—five adult, five intermediate, and five budding—on their property for personal use, including medical purposes. Parkinson emphasized that this would enable residents to access marijuana without taxes or reliance on healthcare systems, stating, “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.” The legislation would prohibit the sale or distribution of home-grown marijuana but allow possession of self-cultivated plants. To participate, individuals must obtain certified cards, and seeds can only be purchased through a state co-op. Violations would result in criminal prosecution and permanent disqualification from the program, as Parkinson noted, “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.” This proposal follows President Donald Trump’s order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, a process still underway that may take months. Parkinson anticipates support from colleagues aligning with Trump’s lead, adding, “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.” He highlighted benefits for those with illnesses, stating, “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.”