Isn't marijuana now legal in the United States?

It is important to know from the outset that Tennessee's marijuana laws are unique. It is important to have a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer explain your rights when it comes to marijuana. Many people have heard of changes in the law concerning marijuana and have questions about the law in Tennessee. Colorado is one state that has legalized recreational marijuana possession, and 21 other states have legalized medical marijuana, however, Tennessee has not legalized either.

Marijuana possession is a crime under Tennessee law. And, even though individual states have legalized the medical or recreational use of marijuana, it is still illegal under Federal law to possess marijuana. If you have been arrested or issued a citation for marijuana possession, contact the Tennessee criminal defense attorneys at Dotson & Taylor.

Is medical marijuana allowed in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not recognize marijuana as an approved medicinal drug. Thus, any person found in possession of marijuana in Tennessee will be subject to criminal charges for possession. Even if the marijuana was purchased lawfully in another state, it is still a crime to possess marijuana in Tennessee.

However, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam recently signed a limited medical marijuana bill into law. It was called “Senate Bill 2531” as it went through the legislative process. This new law created a four-year study on the benefits of cannabidiol, or “CBD,” the non-psychoactive component of marijuana. This bill will allow Tennessee Tech to grow the marijuana and Vanderbilt University to conduct a study on the effects of CBD. Stay tuned for more information on this study and for possible changes in Tennessee marijuana law

The Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys at Dotson & Taylor can answer any questions you have about Tennessee marijuana laws and provide reliable legal guidance to ensure you do not unintentionally run afoul of state or federal laws. Contact us online or call 615-890-1982 to discuss your case and schedule a free initial consultation.