Tennessee
Tennessee Cannabis Business Licenses
WHAT IS TENNESSEE'S CURRENT CANNABIS MARKET STATUS?
Content Below Last Updated by Point7 2/25/2022
Cannabis is illegal in Tennessee for all purposes, even small possessions of cannabis are considered misdemeanors under state law. However, certain exceptions are made for cannabis with less than nine-tenths of one percent (.9%) THC, cannabis in the form of CBD, and cannabis oil obtained legally from another state with proof of the medical recommendation. Tennessee is one of only 19 states that still penalize simple possession of cannabis with jail time. Possesion of half-ounce or less is punishable by almost a year of incarceration.WHAT ARE TENNESSEE'S CURRENT CANNABIS LAWS?
As of February 2022, Tennessee is one of only 13 states that has not authorized medical cannabis. The state came close with SB 854, which would have established a medical Cannabis omission to regulate production and sale and legalized medical cannabis for qualifying patients. On March 2, 2021, the Tennessee Senate GOvernment Operations Committee approved SB 854, but unfortunately was rejected by the State Judiciary Committee later that month in a (6-2) vote. A Consolation win comes from the approval of SB118, which creates a study commision to investigate medical cannabis. This commision is required to report to the legislature by January 1, 2022.
In May of 2015, Senate Bill 280 was approved and signed into law. The bill legalized use of cannabis that was obtained legally with a physicians recommendation in another state, use of cannabis containing no more than .9% THC, and possession of CBD for patients with severe health conditions like epilepsy. The bill does not outline retail sales of CBD in the state, thus patients must travel outside of Tennessee to acquire their products.
WHAT IS TENNESSEE'S CANNABIS LICENSING TIMELINE & CANNABIS APPLICATION PROCESS?
There are no applications available in Tennessee at this time.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN TENNESSEE?
Many attempts have been made to decriminalize cannabis throughout the state of Tennessee and all failed to make it to the ballots. However, in Nashville and Memphis, both cities locally decriminalized cannabis in 2016, reducing possession to a small fine.
DOES TENNESSEE HAVE A HEMP PROGRAM?
Coming soon!
ARE YOU PREPARING FOR THE TENNESSEE'S CANNABIS MARKET?
Though cannabis is not yet legal in Tennessee, it’s always advantageous to stay ahead of the curve! Point7 has the resources and knowledge needed to ensure an applicant is prepared and stands out to application reviewers. Email today to schedule a call with a dedicated Point7 team member.