Tennessee continues to uphold a strict cannabis policy, keeping recreational weed illegal while allowing only very limited medical-related exceptions under state law. Unlike states with full medical marijuana programs, Tennessee restricts legal access to low-THC, high-CBD oil for specific qualifying conditions, with no in-state dispensaries or comprehensive patient system. This page explains Tennessee’s current marijuana legality, including recreational prohibitions, medical CBD exceptions, possession penalties, legislative efforts, and how the state’s stance compares regionally. For readers who want to see how Tennessee’s laws differ nationwide, explore our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Tennessee
Marijuana Legal Status in Tennessee (May 2025)
1. Recreational Use
- Illegal statewide: Tennessee does not permit recreational use of marijuana in any form.
- Possession penalties:
- Under 0.5 ounces: Classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500.
- Repeat offenses or larger amounts: May be charged as felonies, leading to longer imprisonment and more severe penalties.
- Cultivation and sale: Strictly prohibited and heavily penalized under state law.
2. Medical Use
- Limited allowances only: The state does not have a full-scale medical marijuana program.
- CBD oil exception:
- Patients with qualifying conditions (such as epilepsy) may use low-THC, high-CBD oil (less than 0.9% THC).
- The oil must be obtained from outside the state, as Tennessee law does not allow local production or sale.
- No dispensary access: There are no licensed dispensaries or official registration systems for medical cannabis patients.
3. Legislative Efforts
- Ongoing attempts: Some lawmakers have proposed bills to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana.
- Focus of proposals:
- Establishing regulated dispensaries
- Allowing limited home cultivation
- Taxing cannabis sales
- Current outcome: None of these proposals have successfully passed into law as of May 2025.
4. Public Sentiment
- Increasing support: Polls indicate that a growing majority of Tennessee residents support medical marijuana legalization, with moderate support also emerging for recreational use.
- Legislative resistance: Despite public opinion shifts, political opposition—especially in conservative districts—remains a significant barrier to reform.
Conclusion
Tennessee continues to enforce strict marijuana laws. Recreational use is entirely prohibited, and medical use is restricted to narrowly defined CBD oil exceptions. Although public and political pressure for reform is increasing, legal change has not yet occurred.
