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Tennessee weed legalization appears far off, and its laws are among the strictest we’ve seen. The Volunteer State is among the 12 US territories that ban medical and recreational use. Although persistent in its prohibitive law, Tennessee is losing strength in numbers. Neighboring Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi legalized medical cannabis.
This change shows in Tennessee’s general attitudes and its lawmakers’ actions. Acceptance is trickling into the state. Plus, Democrat representatives launched weed discussions in legislative bodies. Slow and steady will eventually win the race. But enough with the optimism: let’s examine the current situation. Join us to learn about marijuana legality in Tennessee.
History of cannabis legalization in Tennessee
Marijuana in Tennessee has been through a real legal rollercoaster. Let’s examine its history to better gauge its present and potential future.
Weed prohibition in Tennessee dates back to 1937. The federal government imposed strict regulations and taxes on its use and cultivation. This move launched the criminalization we still face today.
Like other states, Tennessee tightened its laws in the 1950s and 1960s. The 1980s War on Drugs brought even stricter drug prohibition. Penalties rose, leaving many incarcerated for possession and distribution.
But this attitude wasn’t universal. The state had a therapeutic cannabis research program from 1981 to 1992. The Senate repealed this attempt at Tennessee weed legalization.
Even as attitudes started shifting in the early 2000s, Tennessee remained steadfast. The first 21st-century change arrived in 2015. Out-of-state CBD oil became legal this year, but in-state sales remained banned.
Steps toward decriminalization also began in 2015. Tennessee’s National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) launched a petition to eliminate penalties for simple possession. Unfortunately, the measure never reached the ballot.
Nashville and Memphis tried to remove cannabis penalties in 2016. State law prevented any area from changing its drug policies. Using other means, Nashville partially decriminalized possession in 2020.
In 2017, Tennessee’s industrial hemp law allowed manufacturers to grow hemp with under 0.3% THC. Since this plant contains CBD, patients could acquire it from licensed producers. But even as stores opened, there was no testing or labeling to ensure safety.
An attempt to legalize weed in Tennessee for medical use occurred in 2021. It allowed use only for patients with severe medical issues, but the bill died in the Senate.
What are the marijuana laws in Tennessee?
The law states marijuana in Tennessee is illegal except for limited medical use. It considers the herb a Schedule 6 drug and low-risk for physical dependence. Only forms of THC currently fall under this category.
How does this law look in practice?
People caught with half an ounce of weed get tried for possession. Carrying a higher amount is considered an intent to sell. The former is a misdemeanor, while the latter is a felony.
In both cases, having weed results in incarceration and monetary fines. The punishments become harsher and costlier the more you’re caught carrying. Subsequent offenses increase the penalties.
There’s an exception. The state passed a low-THC law, where extracts from CBD-rich cultivars with under 0.9% THC are legal. It only applies to patients with state-qualifying conditions and a Tennessee Marijuana Card.
The only marijuana for Tennessee residents is from dispensaries in or out of state. Cultivation remains illegal, counts as a felony, and results in fines and incarceration.
Having paraphernalia is a misdemeanor punishable with a fine and jail time. The cost of your offense increases with subsequent violations.
Restrictions and limits
Weed is illegal in Tennessee in 2023, and its government punishes tokers severely. Let’s look at the restrictions you face in this state.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Tennessee?
You can’t legally possess any amount of weed in Tennessee. The state punishes everybody caught with anything but licensed CBD products. The penalties depend on the amount and your existing criminal record:
- Half an ounce or less, first offense: 1 year in jail and a $250 fine
- Half an ounce or less, subsequent offense: 1 year in jail and a $500 fine
- Half an ounce to ten pounds: 1–10 years in jail and a $5,000 fine
Amounts over ten pounds constitute an intent to sell and cause harsher penalization.
CBD oils are an exception for those with epilepsy or intractable seizures. Folks with labeled products and proof of diagnosis suffer no consequences from possession.
We have mentioned decriminalization before. So, you may wonder whether marijuana is legal in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s not, but having under half an ounce has effectively been depenalized. District attorneys won’t prosecute people for this misdemeanor.
Can I grow cannabis in Tennessee?
With Tennessee weed legalization so far off, it’s no surprise you can’t cultivate in the state. The government considers live plants a felony, punishing it with fines and jail time.
There’s some hope in this aspect for toker patients. Lawmakers tried to enable therapeutic use. This move could carry permission to grow cannabis plants from low-THC medical seeds. Still, a concession is on uncertain terms.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Tennessee?
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Tennessee in 2023, and its status seems fixed. Typically, a state will first legalize medical consumption and regulate sales to patients. Only then does the government move to adult use.
Some officials are trying to move things along. Senator Campbell attempted a “Free All Cannabis for Tennesseans Act” for complete legalization. While it didn’t progress very far, it introduced cannabis talks to the Senate.
Recreational marijuana legislation (or a new medical program) would account for THC strains. The superstar cannabinoid has therapeutic and enjoyable merit: the state must recognize that.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Tennessee?
You can’t buy cannabis seeds legally anywhere in Tennessee. They’re federally legal while ungerminated, making them available for purchase out-of-state and online.
Growing marijuana in TN constitutes a crime, so there’s no way to produce seeds for sale in-state. But a federal law loophole makes it possible to build up a stash while waiting for legalization. Dormant seeds count as ornaments or collector items.
For this reason, you can visit a dispensary in a state with legal weed and get your seeds there. It would require you to drive for hours and limit your seed choice. That’s why aspiring future growers in TN prefer to shop online.
Buying seeds online is the most convenient way to get your hands on top-tier, diverse genetics. Vendors like us at Seed Supreme ensure quality and longevity, so you’ll be ready to grow when doing so is legal.
Key takeaways
Recreational weed is illegal in Tennessee in 2023; the medical program is inadequate. Non-intoxicating CBD isn’t enough for patients, and the possession punishments are backward.
While these rules persist, we advise tokers to sit tight and stick to the law. Take advantage of Nashville’s progressive moves, but be patient regarding state-wide changes.
Will Tennessee ever legalize weed? We believe the answer is affirmative.
Although the conditions seem dreary, the green wave is washing over the USA. Either the state or the federal government budges: legal 420 is underway in both cases.
Folks who are itching for a future cannabis garden can already start planning. Stay tuned to our blog for educational cultivation materials and law updates.
Visit our shop to buy cannabis seeds in Tennessee, as we have many strains suitable for your climate. Just be sure to keep them dormant for now!
