Tennessee Marijuana Laws

Is Weed Legal in Tennessee?

No, weed is not legal in Tennessee for recreational or broad medicinal use. Tennessee maintains some of the most stringent marijuana laws in the United States. Possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana is illegal, and individuals face severe legal penalties if found in violation.

Current Status of Marijuana Laws in Tennessee

• Recreational Marijuana: Fully illegal. Possession of any amount is a criminal offense. Learn more about weed laws in Tennessee.
• Medical Marijuana: Not broadly legalized, though certain low-THC cannabis oil products may be permitted under specific conditions.
• Hemp-Derived Products: Hemp products, such as CBD oil, are legal under federal guidelines, provided they contain less than 0.3% THC.

Is Marijuana Legal in Tennessee in 2025? Find Out If Weed Is Legal in Tennessee

As of Jan. 2025, marijuana remains illegal in Tennessee for both recreational and most medicinal purposes. Despite nationwide trends toward decriminalization and legalization, Tennessee has not passed significant reforms to its cannabis legislation.

• Possession: Simple possession is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and potential jail time.
• Distribution and Cultivation: Felony charges apply to those caught growing or distributing marijuana, with penalties increasing based on the amount involved.
• Medical Use Exceptions: Tennessee allows limited use of CBD oil with less than 0.9% THC content for patients with severe medical conditions, such as intractable epilepsy.

Medicinal and Recreational Weed in TN

Is CBD Oil Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, CBD oil is legal in Tennessee, provided it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. This aligns with federal guidelines established by the 2018 Farm Bill.

• Conditions for Use: Tennessee allows the use of low-THC CBD oil (up to 0.9%) for specific medical conditions such as epilepsy.
• Retail Availability: CBD products are widely available in local shops across Nashville, including stores near East Nashville and 12 South landmarks.
• Law Enforcement: While CBD is legal, it is essential to ensure the product complies with both state and federal THC limits to avoid legal complications.

What If You Are a Grower or Distributor of CBD Oil?

Tennessee requires licenses and permits for the cultivation and processing of hemp-derived CBD products. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture oversees the licensing process.

Licenses, Permits & Regulations for Growers:

1. Hemp License: Required to legally grow industrial hemp.
2. Processing Permit: Necessary for producing and distributing hemp-derived products.
3. Compliance: Growers must ensure THC levels in their products remain below 0.3%, with regular testing and reporting to state authorities.

Is THC Legal in Tennessee?

No, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in concentrations higher than 0.3% is illegal in Tennessee. This applies to all cannabis products, including edibles, oils, and concentrates. However, certain hemp-derived THC products, such as Delta-8 THC, occupy a complex legal status.

• Delta-8 THC: Legal under federal law if derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, its legality in Tennessee remains debated.
• THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid): While legal in raw, non-psychoactive form, THCA converts to THC when heated, potentially placing users at legal risk.

Is Weed Legal in Nashville?

Like the rest of Tennessee, weed is not legal in Nashville. However, Nashville has taken steps to reduce penalties for minor marijuana possession offenses.

• Decriminalization Efforts: Nashville city officials previously supported measures to issue civil citations for small amounts of marijuana. However, these efforts faced opposition from state lawmakers.
• Local Enforcement: Law enforcement practices may vary, but state laws governing marijuana use remain fully applicable in Nashville. Remember, there will be no leniency for any drug trafficking charges in Nashville.

THCA Legal in Nashville?

THCA products are often marketed as legal alternatives due to their raw, non-psychoactive state. However, their legality becomes questionable when heated and converted to THC. Consult a criminal defense attorney to navigate these nuances.

What Are the Hemp & Weed Laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s laws regarding hemp and marijuana are distinctly different:

• Hemp: Legal for cultivation, processing, and sale if THC content remains below 0.3%.
• Marijuana: Illegal for recreational and most medicinal purposes, with stringent enforcement of possession and distribution laws.

Key Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Category	Hemp	Marijuana
THC Content	< 0.3%	> 0.3%
Legal Status	Legal (regulated)	Illegal
Use Cases	Industrial, medicinal	Recreational, medicinal

Is Hemp Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, hemp is legal in Tennessee, provided it meets federal THC content guidelines. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulates the state’s hemp industry, including licensing growers and ensuring compliance with THC limits.

• Retail Market: Hemp-derived products, including textiles, CBD oil, and dietary supplements, are widely available.
• Farmers: Tennessee farmers are increasingly turning to hemp cultivation as a viable agricultural product.

What Is the THC Legality in Tennessee?

The legal status of THC in Tennessee is clear-cut for concentrations above 0.3%: it is illegal. However, ambiguities exist for hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC and THCA.

• Delta-8 THC: While federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, state law enforcement agencies may treat Delta-8 THC with skepticism.
• Legal Penalties: Possession of products with THC levels exceeding 0.3% can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount.

Public Opinion & Movements Toward Tennessee’s Legal Weed

Public opinion in Tennessee is gradually shifting in favor of marijuana legalization. According to recent polls:

• A majority of Tennesseans support medical marijuana legalization.
• Support for recreational marijuana remains lower but is steadily growing.

Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

1. Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Tennessee NORML are actively working to reform marijuana laws.
2. Proposed Legislation: Efforts to introduce medical marijuana bills have gained traction during legislative sessions but face opposition from conservative lawmakers.
3. Neighboring States: The legalization of marijuana in neighboring states like Virginia and Arkansas influences public and legislative discourse in Tennessee.

What Are the Tennessee Marijuana Laws in 2025

What Is the Penalty for Possession of Marijuana in TN?

Penalties for marijuana possession in Tennessee are severe:

• Simple Possession:
  • Misdemeanor charge.
  • Up to $2,500 in fines.
  • Up to one year in jail.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute:
  • Felony charge.
  • Fines ranging from $5,000 to $200,000.
  • Jail time from 1 to 60 years, depending on the quantity.

Aggravating Factors

• Possession near schools or public parks.
• Repeat offenses.
• Larger quantities exceeding personal use thresholds.

Reach Out to a Tennessee Marijuana Lawyer

Understanding Tennessee’s complex and evolving marijuana laws can be challenging. If you are facing criminal charges related to marijuana or hemp products, consulting a skilled criminal defense representation in Nashville is crucial.

Why Choose PNC Law?

At the PNC Criminal Law Firm, we defend individuals against drug possession and marijuana-related charges in Nashville and surrounding areas. Our office, located at 615 Main St #116, Nashville, TN 37206, provides personalized legal guidance to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

• Contact Us: Call (615) 785-2000 to schedule a consultation.
• Local Expertise: With a deep understanding of Tennessee laws and Nashville’s legal landscape, we are here to help you navigate complex legal challenges.

Stay informed and protect your rights with trusted legal counsel from PNC Law.