I know that you’ve once asked, is weed legal in Tennessee? If so, what restrictions are there? Otherwise, why wouldn’t the state come up to legalize it?
You’re clouded with questions and we get that – that is why we built and drafted this article to help you gain a better grasp at Tennessee’s cannabis approach. Is it or is it not legal in the state?
Before we dive deeper, let us first go through a series of events that will eventually lead up to the understanding of whether Tennessee is a 420 state or not.
Tennessee’s Marijuana History
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The state’s cannabis history is one for the books. It was not close to a rollercoaster ride, but the majority of votes went on to find peace about it not being legal recreationally. In fact, this area of conversation was so one-sided, that even possession of small amounts in the state is considered a misdemeanor with legal allowances.
In 2015, Governor Bill Haslam signed into law the Senate Bill (SB) 280, which was against the opposition earlier. What this did is legalized the use and possession of marijuana in treating certain severe conditions. We’ll dive and go deeper into that in the latter part of this article.
Up to this day, several petitions are being raised in widening the reach of medical or medicinal marijuana, as well as the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Is Weed Legal in Tennessee?
The question that most, if not all people are looking to ask – is it legal? Would people be able to purchase, smoke, consume, or even cultivate cannabis plants in their homes in the state? The quick and easy answer to that is no, it’s not.
In the eyes of federal law, cannabis remains illicit and illegal, and being caught with it will incur several penalties and fines.
Like most states, Tennessee has its own set of governing rules and laws about cannabis. So, let’s dive right into understanding the medical cannabis standpoint that the state has.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
As mentioned above, the medical cannabis situation in Tennessee is limited, unlike other states that have a broad spectrum about it. In fact, in getting or securing a medical marijuana card, the allowed conditions are:
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquire Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Chron’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Cancer
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Having a medical marijuana card will allow patients to get marijuana oil that has up to 0.9% THC.
You have to have a qualifying medical condition, must have an official certification from a Tennessee-certified doctor or healthcare practitioner, and a proof of residency in Tennessee.
This limited medical cannabis allowability is something that a lot of people don’t like, especially since there are certain conditions that can be greatly helped by cannabis.
Failed Medical Legalization
On the 3rd of March 2021, Iris Rudder and Janice Bowling filed a bill legalizing medicinal cannabis with the hopes of extending its reach. However, 2 weeks later, the bill was left unnoticed in the state senate.
People of Tennessee are still hopeful, though, that the plant will sooner or later be approved and be legalized.
Recreational Cannabis in Tennessee
When it comes to recreational cannabis, on the other hand, it is not allowed. It has neither been legal nor decriminalized. However, the penalties have been lightened through the years, and the penalties and fines were streamlined and smoother.
The majority of cases, especially extremes are automatically tagged as Felony. And for you to understand that clearer and better, we’ll go through the different laws and penalties involved.
NOTE: Marijuana is still known and considered a Schedule VI drug in Tennessee TN.500,000200,000.
What Are the Laws and Penalties?
The laws and penalties related to marijuana in the state of Tennessee is actually dependent on the amount. Being caught with ½ oz r less for the first offense is treated as misdemeanor with an incarceration of 1 year. This comes with a $250 fine.
For subsequent offenses of the same amount, the same penalties apply but with a maximum fine of $500.
NOTE: Fines for possessions are mandatory.
The penalties and fines for sale is different. However, all these offenses are considered and treated as automatic felony with respective fines and incarceration schedules.
- ½ oz to 10 lbs – 1 to 6 years with a maximum fine of $5,000
- 10 lbs to 70 lbs – 2 to 12 years with a maximum fine of $50,000
- 70 lbs to 300 lbs – 8 to 30 years with a maximum fine of $10,000
- More than 300 lbs puts you anywhere between 15 and 60 years with a maximum fine of $200,000
NOTE: Subsequent offenses carry higher penalties.
For cultivation or the growing of marijuana in your private property, several offenses are observed.
Like sale, cultivation of the plant is automatic felon with respective incarceration periods and fines. Having 10 plants or less will have 1 to 6 years and a $5,000 fine, 10 to 19 plants would be 2 to 12 years with a $50,000 fine, 20, 99 plants is 3 to 15 years with a $100,000 fine, and more than 500 plants would be 15 to 60 years with a $500K price tag.
Tennessee’s Cannabis Future
Just a few days back, lawmakers are pushing efforts in legalizing marijuana in the state. Senator Heidi Campbell said that a lot of states have already legalized it and that they’re forced in a situation where they’re missing out on profit because people are moving and transferring to others.
“We’re already seeing that many states have legalized cannabis. We’re in a situation where we’re are missing out on that profit because people are going to others.“
Let us wait for the finality and the decision made by lawmakers and people in authority and hope that it becomes legalized and decriminalized altogether for the sake of the state and its people!
FAQs
We’ve garnered some of the most frequently asked questions about anything related to the main one – is weed legal in Tennessee. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy as we surf through it!
Is Medical Weed Not Approved in Tennessee?
It is approved, however, medicinal or medical marijuana in the state is extremely limited. There are only specific conditions and illnesses that are approved for it, and, therefore, it’s something you can’t entirely rely on.
What’s Allowed in Tennessee?
In the state, hemp or cannabis sativa that has 0.3% THC is legal. Going over that amount, even just a sly one, will result in penalties and fines.
The Bottom Line
So, is weed legal in Tennessee? We wish! Although the state made its intentions clear about the legality when it comes to medicinal purpose, it’s still something unreliable due to the limitations and restrictions clamped onto it.
The next time you pay the state a visit, try to review their laws in order for you to be safe and free from apprehension and trouble by carrying a little weed!
