Tennessee Marijuana Compliance
Adult-use recreational marijuana and medical marijuana are both illegal in the state of Tennessee. This eliminates any concern about marijuana state vs federal rules. Employers may freely test employees and job candidates for the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, without having to worry about Tennessee marijuana compliance rules. While high-CBD, low-THC cannabis oil is legal for patients with certain medical conditions, Tennessee law does not provide any protections for individuals who use this substance.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Tennessee Marijuana Compliance
Tennessee Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Fully Illegal
It is illegal to possess, use, or sell marijuana in the state of Tennessee. The only exception is low-THC, high CBD cannabis oil for qualifying patients with certain medical conditions.
Medical Marijuana: Illegal
Tennessee marijuana laws regarding medicinal marijuana are extremely strict. Medical cannabis treatment is only allowed in the form of specific types of CBD oil. Until May 27th, 2021, only individuals diagnosed with epilepsy or intractable seizures were allowed to possess CBD products with less than 0.9% THC.
In May of 2021, the qualifying conditions were expanded to include:
Patients must have been diagnosed with one of the conditions above and have a letter from their physician. The CBD must also be obtained from within the U.S. but outside the state of Tennessee. In addition, the CBD oil must have certain information included on the label.
Decriminalized: No
Possession of marijuana is illegal in Tennessee, and it is not decriminalized. The penalty for first offenders who are caught with ½ ounce or less of marijuana is up to one year of incarceration and a mandatory fine of $250 and up to $2,500. Second offenses are punishable by up to one year in jail and a mandatory fine of $500 and up to $2,500. Each charge is a misdemeanor.
In 2016, both Nashville and Memphis passed decriminalization laws, but the governor repealed them, stating that state laws preempt local government enactments.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
There are no recreational marijuana laws in Tennessee. Possession, use, sale, and cultivation of cannabis are illegal, with the exception of patients who are legally allowed to use low-THC, high CBD cannabis oil. Users caught with marijuana will be subject to legal penalties.
Last updated 1/16/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Tennessee?
No. Both recreational (adult-use) and medical marijuana are illegal in Tennessee, with the exception of low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oil for certain qualifying patients who suffer from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, end-state cancer and other medical conditions.
What is Tennessee's history with marijuana?
In 2021, a bill to legalize medical cannabis (SB 854) was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, the legislature approved a bill, SB 118, to create a study commission to consider medical cannabis. Efforts will resume in 2022.
How does marijuana become legal in Tennessee?
Tennessee doesn't have a voter initiative process, so voters cannot put marijuana legalization on the ballot. The law can only be changed by an elected official, and the bill would have to go through the Tennessee state legislature.
Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug panels that remove marijuana testing are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that exclude marijuana, where you'll find a complete list of drug tests that do not include THC testing under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Two of our popular hair tests allow for the option to exclude marijuana from the panel of substances being tested. These include:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Many of our testing options include marijuana testing. Below are some of the most popular urine drug tests including marijuana:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that include marijuana.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Our variety of hair drug tests include many options for marijuana testing. Some of the most commonly ordered hair drug tests are:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug tests that we offer can be found here.