Weed Laws in Tennessee

Situated in the southeast of the United States, Tennessee is the 16th most populous state having roughly 6.9 million residents. Known for its large musical culture, cities in Tennessee have a deep musical history. Known as “Music City,” Tennessee’s largest city Nashville has been the center of country music since the 1930s and hosts the CMA Music Festival every year. Nashville is also home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music, and Music Row.

Music lovers can visit the Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis. Beale Street in Memphis is well known for its blues musicians and where the evolution of rock and roll took place. While on Beale Street, you can walk along the Brass Notes Walk of Fame. You can also visit the National Civil Rights Museum located in Memphis. 

Tennessee is one of 13 states not to have a medical marijuana program. As of March 28th, 2022, Tennessee state senators introduced the Free All Cannabis for Tennesseans Act which intends to legalize cannabis use and begin a process for regulating the sale of adult-use cannabis products at state-licensed retailers. Until this bill passes and becomes law, cannabis use, possession, and cultivation is illegal in the state of Tennessee. 

Is Weed Legal in Tennessee?

NO, the consumption of marijuana is illegal for both medicinal and recreational purposes in the state of Tennessee.

Weed Legalization in Tennessee

Along with 13 other states, the use, cultivation, and possession of cannabis is currently illegal in Tennessee for both medical and recreational purposes. In 1981, the Tennessee legislature passed HB 314, which established a therapeutic research program for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with glaucoma to use medical cannabis. Unfortunately, in 1992, the program was repealed by SB 1818. It was not until Governor Bill Haslam signed into law SB 280 in 2015, which legalized the possession and use of CBD oil containing less than 0.9% THC for epilepsy, that cannabis was legal in some form in Tennessee. However, the bill did not permit CBD oil production within Tennessee, so individuals had to obtain it from sources out of state. 

In 2017, the state of Tennessee permitted industrial hemp growers to produce hemp with 0.3% of THC or less by passing HB 1164. SB 118 was passed by the Tennessee legislature in 2021, establishing a research commission to study state medical cannabis laws. SB 118 also expands the qualifying medical conditions for the use of high-CBD oil with 0.9% of THC or less. In February 2022, a bill was recently introduced into the Tennessee Senate and House that would have legalized medical cannabis. HB2641 and SB 2532 failed to make it past the committee in the Senate. As of April 13th, 2022, HB 1747 and HB0666 were considered in the House to expand the use of low-THC, high-CBD oil to quadriplegics and veterans, but they failed to pass by the end of the legislative session.

The Free All Cannabis for Tennesseans Act was introduced on March 28th, 2022. This bill would have legalized the possession and transportation of cannabis and cannabis concentrate between adults 21 and over. It would have also allowed adults 21 and over to cultivate up to 12 plants. But this bill also failed to progress.

Cannabis Tax in Tennessee

The sale of cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes is not legal in the state of Tennessee. 

Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Tennessee?

NO, marijuana delivery is not available for either medicinal or recreational purposes in the state of Tennessee. 

Where Can You Legally Use Weed in Tennessee?

No individual can legally use cannabis for any reason anywhere in the state of Tennessee, and Tennessee only permits the use of CBD oil with less than 0.9% of THC.

What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Tennessee?

Individuals in Tennessee are not permitted to use, possess, cultivate or sell cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes. Possession of any amount of cannabis in Tennessee is a misdemeanor, and individuals convicted of possession can spend up to 1 year in prison and be fined up to $2,500. The state of Tennessee only allows the possession of CBD oil with less than 0.9% of THC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana in Tennessee

Is recreational marijuana legal in Tennessee?

No, the sale, use, cultivation, and possession of cannabis is illegal in the state of Tennessee for all individuals.

Is medical marijuana legal in Tennessee?

No, the state of Tennessee does not permit the use, sale, cultivation, or possession of cannabis for medical purposes.

Where can I get CBD oil in Tennessee?

Tennessee laws currently permit residents to purchase, use and possess CBD oil with less than 0.9% THC. Residents of Tennessee can buy these products in the state or from an out-of-state vendor.

When will Tennessee legalize cannabis?

The 2021-2022 legislative session did not see any progress toward legalization, but new legislation will likely be introduced in the coming legislative session.

When will medical cannabis be legal in Tennessee?

Unfortunately, the most recently introduced bills regarding the legalization of medical cannabis have not been able to get past the committee process.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.