Membership Benefits
Member Meetings:
During Session: The General Assembly convenes on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year for an organizational session of not more than 15 calendar days. Thereafter, the General Assembly sets the date for convening the regular session. The Constitution provides that the legislature can meet 90 legislative days in regular session over the two-year assembly period. Session typically adjourns in March or April. The Tennessee Growers Coalition meets nearly every week during session. If the legislature has no movement with cannabis related bills, we typically will meet every other week. The TGC has brought several bills to the legislature in the past. You can find out more about our current and past legislative priorities here. News comes fast during this time of year. With your support we are able to hire The Bivens Lobbyist Group, one of the top lobbyist in Tennessee, to assist us on multiple fronts during session.
Out of Session: After the session wrap-up meeting we then take a break in May for debriefing and planning. Beginning in the June we move to a monthly meeting format until Late January. During these meetings we host special guests, such as the law firm that helped Arkansas’s hemp industry win a lawsuit against a delta-8 ban and federal legislature specialist that informed us on the upcoming Farm Bill. We announce our events and fundraising efforts during these meetings. If any new regulations or rules are to go into effect during these months we keep our members informed on everything that will effect the industry.
TGC Member Exclusive Events:
Day on the Hill: During session we give our members the opportunity to meet with their legislatures in person. We all meet in Nashville to spend the day on the hill to witness the legislative process as it happens. We set up the appointments to connect with your leaders and we give a brief coaching on the most effective way to leave an impression on them. As an appreciation to your support we present the Day on the Hill for our members only. This event is an opportunity to get a glance of the legislative process, to speak and make an impact on the legislation with the industry’s best, and for the team to meet our members in person.
Annual Board Member Dinner: As an appreciation to our board members support and guidance through out the year we hold an annual board member dinner. In years past we have held it at the luxurious premium venue, Allenbrooke Farms, and hired private chefs to serve hemp inspired dishes. The dinner is a perfect opportunity to get our board together in one place and discuss the direction they desire to see the TGC take. We give a report on the current efforts and the progress on any other industry news. We are honored to be at the table with the industry’s finest leaders and professionals. It is a special evening to spend in fellowship and comradery to continue to fight for the entire industry.
Networking with the TGC:
Representing the Entire Supply Chain: We pride ourselves as a diverse group of supporters who advocate for such a special and passionate industry. One of our most valued assets is the shear diversification that we have as members. From growers, farmers and manufacturers, to retailers, grow light manufacturers, growing supply stores and patient advocates, we truly represent the entire supply chain. We have been connecting the industry from all across Tennessee since 2018.
Industry Wide Support
Advocating: With the diverseness of our group we are incredibly aware of the complexity of the industry and the needs and wants for policy changes and regulations. Our executive director, Kelley Hess, has over 15 years of experience in lobbying. She has been with us since the beginning and continues to be educated on what needs to happen to protect our businesses and keep consumers safe and able to access their products. The TGC has a solid track record of keeping the industry from becoming overburden with inappropriate regulations and laws. We always fight any unnecessary laws that go beyond keeping consumers safe, as we believe in appropriate regulations and not over regulation.
Educating: TGC members gain access to the years of experience that comes with being an active lobbyist group. As the ONLY pro-cannabis PAC in Tennessee, we keep our members involved and educated. We break down bills and laws into layman’s terms and consult with lawyers on the legalities of any policy change. Our members are the FIRST to hear of any threats to the industry. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is quick to ask our group for industry advice. We are your hub for election and candidate information during election cycles. Finding your legislature and registering to vote will always be easy to find by contacting us or visiting our learning page.