Cannabis Is Illegal in Tennessee
Cannabis remains illegal for recreational and medical use. CBD with 0.9% or less THC is legal.
Tennessee Cannabis Quick Facts
| Status | Fully Illegal (CBD Exception) |
| Recreational | Not Legal |
| Medical | Not Available |
| Decriminalized | No |
| Possession Limit | None — cannabis is illegal (CBD with <0.9% THC excepted) |
| Regulatory Agency | Tennessee Department of Health |
Penalties & Enforcement
Possession of 0.5 oz or less: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year and $2,500 fine. Over 0.5 oz: felony.
Cannabis possession carries criminal penalties in Tennessee. If you are traveling from a legal state, you must consume or dispose of all cannabis products before entering Tennessee. Interstate transport is a federal crime.
What You Need to Know
Some cities (Nashville, Memphis) have enacted local decriminalization. CBD products with less than 0.9% THC are legal statewide. Medical bills have been introduced but not passed.
Nearby States with Legal Cannabis
Tennessee borders or is near states with legal recreational cannabis. Remember: transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime, even between two legal states.
Learn More
- Understanding State Cannabis Laws — how state and federal laws interact
- What to Expect at a Dispensary — first visit guide
- Dosing Fundamentals — start low, go slow
- Drug Interactions — check before combining cannabis with medications
- Driving & Impairment — DUI laws apply in every state
For support with quitting or cutting back on cannabis, visit our companion site CannabisDependence.org