“Tennessee remains one of the most restrictive states when it comes to cannabis laws. Recreational cannabis is illegal, and the state does not have a comprehensive medical cannabis program. In 2014, Tennessee passed a very limited medical cannabis law allowing the use of CBD oil containing less than 0.9% THC for patients with severe epilepsy, but the law provides no means of legal acquisition of the product within the state. Possession of small amounts of cannabis is still a criminal offense, and penalties can include jail time, even for first-time offenders.
Efforts to pass a broader medical cannabis bill have gained traction in recent years, but opposition remains strong in the state legislature. Tennessee has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis in some of its larger cities, like Nashville and Memphis, but the state’s conservative approach to cannabis reform means that broader legalization is still far off. As public opinion continues to shift in favor of cannabis reform, advocates in Tennessee are hopeful for future change.”