Sen. Campbell, Rep. Behn announce first hearing for ‘Pot for Potholes Act’ to rebuild highways, reduce traffic jams

Cannabis reform would generate revenue to address $38 billion highway backlog amassed under Republican control

NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s roads are crumbling, traffic congestion is worsening, and the state’s transportation crisis is reaching a breaking point. Fourteen years of Republican control have left Tennessee with a $38.5 billion backlog of needed highway and bridge projects, yet G.O.P. politicians have no plan to generate funding to complete these projects, ease gridlock and make roads safer.

That’s why Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) have introduced the Pot for Potholes Act (HB 703 / SB 921) — a bold, common-sense plan to legalize and tax recreational marijuana to generate new revenue for Tennessee’s highways, bridges and regional mass transit projects.

On Wednesday, March 26, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will hold the first hearing on this historic proposal, which would modernize the state’s cannabis laws and create a sustainable funding stream for Tennessee’s long-neglected infrastructure.

“Tennesseans are sick of dodging potholes and sitting in traffic jams while Republicans ignore our crumbling roads,” said Rep. Behn. “Legalizing marijuana is a no-brainer. It’s good policy, it’s what the people want, and it will bring in the revenue we need to rebuild our highways and transportation network.”

Fixing Tennessee’s Infrastructure with Smart, Sustainable Revenue

The Pot for Potholes Act would:

• Legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.
• Establish a 15% sales tax on cannabis products.
• Direct 75% of revenue to the state Highway Fund to repair and modernize roads and bridges.
• Allocate 20% of revenue to local governments in all 95 counties, providing a desperately needed funding stream for transportation projects across Tennessee.
• Save millions worth of state and local tax dollars by ensuring individuals incarcerated solely for nonviolent marijuana offenses are released.

“Other states are already benefiting from cannabis tax revenue, while Tennessee is leaving money on the table and ignoring our growing infrastructure tab,” said Sen. Campbell. “This legislation invests in safer roads, creates jobs, and delivers new revenue for counties across Tennessee. It’s time to get this done.”

Traffic Jams Cost Workers, Businesses Millions

This week, officials with the Transportation Department testified about the consequences of traffic jams in Tennessee. The department’s analysis found that families and businesses lose more than 17,000 hours and $442 million each year to worsening traffic congestion. Additionally, trucking companies are wasting 1.5 million gallons of fuel stuck in gridlock.

For years, transportation officials have warned the Republican-controlled legislature that Tennessee’s highway funding mechanism is broken, but the controlling party has mostly chosen one-time cash infusions or to ignore the annual funding deficit.

Billions in Economic Benefits at Stake

Cannabis revenue seen in states that have legalized recreational marijuana shows how Tennessee is missing out on significant economic growth. Massachusetts, a state with a similar population, raised $272 million in cannabis tax revenue last year.

Since Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, the state has collected nearly $3 billion in tax revenue, funding infrastructure, education and public safety.

According to a Vanderbilt University poll from December, 63% of Tennessee voters support legalizing recreational marijuana, yet Republican lawmakers continue to block reform while also failing to fund urgent infrastructure needs.

First Hearing Scheduled for March 26

The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee is scheduled to consider House Bill 703 during its meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 26.

Supporters are encouraged to contact their legislators and voice their support for using cannabis revenue to rebuild Tennessee’s infrastructure.