Cannabis Possession Limits in Tennessee

Tennessee (TN)Possession Illegal

Cannabis possession is prohibited under state law and may carry criminal penalties.

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Possession Limits

Recreational

N/A

flower

Medical

N/A

for patients

Concentrates

N/A

wax / oil / shatter

Edibles

N/A

infused products

Public ConsumptionNot Allowed

Overview

Tennessee has not legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use and maintains strict criminal penalties for possession. Possession of half an ounce or less is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail, though a diversion program may be available for first-time offenders. The state does allow limited access to low-THC CBD oil for specific medical conditions. Several municipalities, including Nashville and Memphis, have enacted local decriminalization measures, but these do not override state law and enforcement varies by jurisdiction.

Key Facts

•All cannabis possession is illegal in Tennessee.
•Possession of 0.5 oz or less is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail.
•Over 0.5 oz may trigger intent-to-distribute charges.
•Nashville and Memphis have passed local decriminalization measures.
•Limited CBD oil access exists for specific medical conditions.

Penalties for Exceeding Limits

Possession of 0.5 oz or less is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Casual exchange is a misdemeanor. Over 0.5 oz triggers intent-to-distribute charges. Over 0.5 oz of concentrate is a felony with 1-6 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis legal in Tennessee?+

No. Cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medical use in Tennessee. A limited low-THC CBD oil law exists for specific epilepsy conditions.

Have any Tennessee cities decriminalized cannabis?+

Nashville and Memphis have passed local ordinances reducing penalties for small-amount possession to civil citations, but these do not change state law and enforcement varies.

What are the penalties for cannabis possession in Tennessee?+

Possession of 0.5 oz or less is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Amounts over 0.5 oz may be charged as intent to distribute, carrying harsher penalties.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis remains illegal under US federal law. Tennessee state laws and regulations are subject to change and may vary by local jurisdiction. Possession limits and penalties described here are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify current laws with official Tennessee state resources and consult with a qualified attorney before possessing cannabis. Cannabismarketcap does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented.