is weed legal in tennessee

Is Weed Legal in Tennessee?

Nope, unfortunately recreational and medical marijuana are still illegal in the Volunteer State. I know, it sucks. Even though over 30 states have legalized weed in some form, Tennessee remains a holdout.

But don’t lose all hope yet! There is a chance Tennessee could legalize medical marijuana in the next couple years. There’s currently a bill filed to allow patients with a qualifying condition to access medical cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. And public support for legalization seems to be growing.

Current Tennessee Marijuana Laws

As of now, cannabis is classified as a Schedule VI controlled substance in Tennessee. That means it’s totally illegal to possess, sell, grow, or consume weed. Harsh, I know. The maximum penalty depends on the amount and your criminal record, but can include hefty fines and years in prison.

Possession

Just having a small amount of marijuana on you can lead to a misdemeanor charge. We’re talking up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines for less than 1/2 ounce. Over 1/2 ounce bumps it up to a felony with a max 5 years behind bars.

Sale and Distribution

Selling and distributing cannabis come with even stiffer consequences. For example, giving your buddy a joint can technically be considered “casual exchange” and lead to up to 1 year in jail plus fines. Actual selling and dealing is punished more harshly based on the quantity, with several pounds or more leading to max 30 years imprisonment.

Cultivation

Growing weed – even just a couple plants for personal use – is a big no-no under Tennessee law. You can get slapped with a felony charge and multi-year prison term just for cultivating a small amount at home. Harsh, but true.

Arguments For & Against Legalization

The debate around cannabis laws is heating up in Tennessee. As other states liberalize their policies, reform advocates are pushing for change. But some lawmakers and interest groups still oppose legalization efforts.

Pros

• Increased tax revenue for the state
• Job growth from new industry
• Allows safe access to medical marijuana
• Freer use of recreational substance
• Reduces illegal market and associated crimes
• Racial justice – disproportionate arrests of minorities currently

Cons

• Public health concerns – smoking, addiction, accidents
• Gateway to using other drugs?
• Sending wrong message to kids?
• Federal law still prohibits all cannabis

As you can see, there are good arguments on both sides. But the tide seems to be turning toward reform. Over 70% of Tennesseans now support legalizing medical marijuana, at a minimum. And nearly half support full recreational legalization as well.

Recent Tennessee Weed Legislation

There have been several bills introduced in recent years to relax Tennessee’s strict anti-pot laws, but none have become law yet. Here are a few of the major proposals:

Medical Cannabis Act

This bill would legalize medical marijuana for patients with certain health conditions, on their doctor’s recommendation. Qualifying conditions could include chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy and more. Smokable flower, oils, edibles would be allowed. A new Medical Cannabis Commission would oversee the program. The latest version is SB 1867.

Low THC Oil Act

This more limited bill would legalize oils and extracts that are low in THC (the psychoactive part of weed) but rich in CBD and other therapeutic cannabinoids. It’s geared toward patients, especially children, who could benefit medically without getting high. The most recent version is HB 1878.

Decriminalization

Rather than legalizing, other bills aim to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession. For example, SB 1423 would prevent jail time for possessing less than 1 ounce. Fines would still apply though. A good incremental step perhaps.

What’s Next for Tennessee Cannabis Laws?

Despite the flurry of bills, actual policy change has been slow going in Tennessee’s conservative, largely rural legislature. Powerful lobbying groups like police associations and rehab centers continue to oppose legalization.

However, the smart money seems to be on medical marijuana passing first, possibly as soon as 2023. There’s strong public support, especially for veterans, cancer patients and children with seizures. If a tightly regulated program works well, that could open the door for more comprehensive adult use laws down the road.

Ultimately the future is hazy (pun intended) but there seems to be momentum shifting toward looser pot policies. With neighboring states like Arkansas, Virginia and Alabama advancing reform, Tennessee may soon feel pressure to modernize as well. I know I’ve got my fingers crossed for some progress!