Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• Tennessee dispensaries prepare for a major July 1 change as a new state law takes full effect, banning THC products with a concentration of 0.3% or higher.
• Public Chapter 526 reclassifies THCA as a precursor to THC, raising concerns for Rutherford County customers who use THCA products for pain, anxiety, or sleep.
• Some dispensary owners say the ban could remove a major portion of their business, with one manager estimating affected products make up about 60% of sales.
• State Rep. Afton Ben files 14 civil rights complaints against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• The complaints include allegations involving Rutherford County and other counties, with requests for a federal investigation, review of case records, and stronger protections for families reporting misconduct.
• A Wilson County lawsuit raises a statewide transparency question over whether private companies performing public services should be subject to Tennessee’s public records laws.
• The case centers on records tied to wastewater services and could be watched closely across Middle Tennessee, including in Rutherford County.
• TDOT’s Project Milkweed returns for 2026, offering free seed packets during National Pollinator Week from June 22 through June 28 while supplies last.
• This year’s seed options include red milkweed, common milkweed, and a native urban flower blend designed to support monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
• Middle Tennessee celebrates new statewide title holders as Ms. Nashville McElhin Haslett is crowned Miss Tennessee 2026 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center.