Is Cannabis Legal in Tennessee? Here’s What You Need to Know

Cannabis laws in the United States can be tricky since each state sets its own rules. If you’re wondering whether cannabis is legal in Tennessee, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. This guide will break down the current laws, what’s allowed with medical use, hemp, and CBD, and what the future could look like.

Cannabis Laws in Tennessee: The Basics

Tennessee has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the country. As of 2025, both recreational and most medical cannabis use is illegal. While other states have relaxed their laws or even fully legalized cannabis, Tennessee has stayed firm in its approach.

Here are the main points:

  • Recreational cannabis is entirely illegal.
  • Medical cannabis is only allowed in a very limited form.
  • Certain hemp-based products, like CBD and delta-8, are legal under specific conditions.

Recreational Use: Still Against the Law

In Tennessee, using cannabis for fun—called recreational use—is not allowed. Possessing, using, growing, or selling cannabis is considered a crime, no matter how small the amount.

If you’re caught with cannabis:

  • First-time offense: It’s a Class A misdemeanor. You could face up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
  • Second offense: This could be upgraded to a felony, with harsher penalties.
  • Selling or distributing: This is treated as a serious crime and can lead to lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Even small amounts can result in arrest. Tennessee police and courts continue to enforce these laws strictly.

Medical Cannabis: Very Limited Access

Unlike many other states, Tennessee does not have a complete medical marijuana program. People with serious health conditions have very few legal options.

What is allowed?

In 2015, Tennessee passed a law allowing people with intractable epilepsy—a severe type of seizure disorder—to use cannabis oil that contains less than 0.9% THC (the compound that causes a high). However, there are significant restrictions:

  • The oil must be legally obtained from another state.
  • It is not legal to buy or make the oil in Tennessee.
  • No dispensaries exist in the state.

Recent Efforts to Expand Access:

Lawmakers have tried to pass new bills to allow more patients to use medical cannabis. For example, Senate Bill 489 in 2023 would have created a broader medical program, but it didn’t pass. Other similar bills have also failed.

Summary:

  • Only certain patients with severe epilepsy can legally use low-THC cannabis oil.
  • Even then, access is challenging.
  • Tennessee has no medical dispensaries or licensed producers.

 

Hemp, CBD, and Delta-8 THC: What’s Legal?

While cannabis is illegal, some products made from hemp are allowed. This is due to changes in both federal and state laws.

Hemp and CBD:

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in hemp that doesn’t cause a high. In Tennessee, products made from hemp are legal if they have less than 0.3% THC. You can find CBD oils, gummies, and creams in stores and online.

Delta-8 THC:

Delta-8 is a compound similar to regular THC but is usually made from hemp. It can have mild psychoactive effects. In Tennessee:

  • Delta-8 products are legal if made from hemp.
  • They must also contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC (the main compound that causes a high).

Important Note: The future of delta-8 is uncertain. Lawmakers may choose to regulate or ban it in the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • CBD and other hemp products are legal if they follow THC rules.
  • Delta-8 is currently allowed but could be restricted later.

Legal Penalties and Risks

Tennessee does not go easy on cannabis-related crimes. Whether it’s possession or growing cannabis, the consequences can be severe.

Possession:

  • First offense: Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
  • Second offense: Becomes a felony, with 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

Selling or Growing:

  • These are felonies.
  • Penalties depend on how much cannabis is involved.
  • Some crimes can carry prison sentences of up to 60 years and fines as high as $500,000.

Paraphernalia:

Even owning items used with cannabis, like pipes or bongs, is a misdemeanor.

Community Impact:

These strict laws can affect people long after their arrest. A criminal record can make getting a job, going to school, or finding housing harder. Some communities face these effects more than others, raising concerns about fairness and justice.

What Could Change in the Future?

While Tennessee’s laws haven’t changed much in recent years, attitudes around cannabis are shifting across the country. Many of Tennessee’s neighbors have already made significant changes.

Bills in Progress:

Lawmakers in Tennessee have proposed several bills to legalize medical marijuana or reduce penalties for small amounts of cannabis. So far, none have been signed into law.

Pressure from Other States:

Nearby states like Missouri, Arkansas, and Virginia have legalized either medical or recreational cannabis. This puts pressure on Tennessee to rethink its policies.

Public Support Is Growing:

Polls show that more and more Tennesseans support legalizing cannabis in some form. Advocacy groups are working to educate voters and push lawmakers to act.

Final Thoughts

So, is cannabis legal in Tennessee? For now, no—not for recreational use and not for most medical conditions. Only a small group of people with epilepsy can legally use low-THC oil, and even that is hard to get. However, hemp-based CBD and delta-8 products are legal if they meet strict rules.

Tennessee may update its cannabis laws in the future, but for now, the state continues to take a tough stance.