KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – State Representative Rick Staples (D-Knoxville)
has filed a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana statewide if passed.

As introduced, House Bill 1610 would also allow counties to hold referendum elections to authorize the growing, processing, manufacturing, delivery and retail sale of marijuana.

This comes as State Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) filed a senate bill to allow for the use of medical marijuana.

The bills will be filed this week as Tennessee kicks off the 2020 legislative session on Tuesday.

This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update the details as they become available.