Marijuana Might be Legal in Other States, but Tennessee Still has Tough Penalties against Pot

Marijuana is legal for personal use in some states – but Tennessee is not one of them. Law enforcement in Tennessee takes our drug laws seriously, and drug offenders can face serious penalties if they are convicted of their charges. The Tennessee legislature is making some attempts to pass legislation that would legalize cannabis oil – which is extracted from marijuana and contains large quantities of CBD with just trace amounts of THC – but in the law’s current form, the people who most need it are not able to obtain cannabis oil in Tennessee.

Penalties for marijuana possession

For the moment, the possession of any amount of marijuana is a crime in Tennessee. The most minor offense is simple possession or casual exchange of up to a half an ounce of marijuana. It is a misdemeanor with a possible penalty of up to one year in prison, and/or a fine of $250 to $2,500 for first and second convictions.

For third and subsequent convictions of simple possession, the offense becomes a felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and anywhere between one and six years in prison or both. (See Tenn. Code Ann. 39 -17 – 415)

Penalties for the cultivation and sale of marijuana

The cultivation and sale of marijuana is also a crime whose penalties will vary depending on the amount cultivated or sold. Enhancements to standard penalties will be added when the drug is sold to a minor or within a drug-free school zone.

However, possessing drug paraphernalia in order to make, sell, grow or use the drug carries penalties of fine up to $2,500, or up to a year in jail or both. If a person is convicted of selling drug paraphernalia, they can face fines of $3,000 and between one and six years in prison or both depending on the circumstances. (See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-425).

If you have been issued a citation on a marijuana charge and it is your first offense, a Franklin criminal defense attorney may be able to work things out so that you do not end up with a conviction on your record. Our experienced drug crimes attorneys at the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates can protect your rights.

Drug charges carry serious consequences in Tennessee. Contact one of our competent, Franklin criminal defense attorneys from the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates who will answer your questions and review your case. Schedule your consultation today in one of our offices in Franklin, Brentwood or Columbia.