NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Cannabis is no longer classified alongside drugs like heroin at the federal level following President Trump’s executive order.

But what does that mean for Tennessee, one of the toughest states on criminalizing marijuana?

This includes a new Tennessee law further restricting cannabis set to take effect January 1st.

Lawmakers are pushing for cannabis reform here in Tennessee, with several GOP lawmakers considering medical marijuana depending on what research shows.

Billy Reichardt is originally from Hendersonville and now lives in Florida.

He said he suffered from chronic back and neck pain until he started using medical marijuana in Florida.

He showed us his medical marijuana card.

“It(cannabis) also helps with anxiety too,” said Reichardt.

He would like to see medicinal pot legalized in Tennessee.

“Why not? It’s good for pain,” he said.

Tennessee is one of ten states that have banned marijuana in all forms. (medicinal and recreational)

A new state law taking effect January 1st regulates hemp sales and bans certain THCA products.

But President Trump has now reclassified cannabis federally.

He signed an executive order last week to change it from a schedule one drug like LSD to a schedule three drug, the same category as Tylenol with codeine and steroids.

It also expands medical marijuana research.

“For decades this action has been requested by American patients suffering from extreme pain,” said Trump during the signing.

Democratic Senator Heidi Campbell wants Tennessee to follow Trump’s lead in cannabis reform.

“It’s long overdue,” she said. “Obviously the federal government is finally moving forward on cannabis and Tennessee is still stuck in the dark ages.”

Authorities discovered approximately 10 large potted marijuana plants, 15 hanging/drying marijuana plants, 3 pounds of processed marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. (File photo via Associated Press)

Some GOP hardliners on cannabis like Representative William Lamberth are open to the idea depending on the outcome of research.

He said in part:

“Any change in the federal drug schedule that acknowledges legitimate medical use based on scientific evidence will certainly be taken into consideration as we strive to form an appropriate legal framework for dangerous substances.”

GOP Senator Mark Pody is also considering legalizing medical marijuana.

“I think it’s going to help us not only with the health but those that have been incarcerated,” he said.

Reichardt hopes GOP consideration can turn into action and said it can bring revenue in.

“If we make it legal, you know, you can control it better anyway,” said Reichardt.

Lieutenant Gov. Randy McNally said he still believes marijuana is a dangerous drug and does not believe it will help medically.

As of now, existing Tennessee laws on cannabis have remained the same. However, that could change as lawmakers reconvene and discuss the future of medical cannabis in Tennessee.