Tennessee has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana, so all public cannabis use in Knoxville is illegal under state law TCA 39-17-418, with possession of any amount a criminal offense.
Tennessee remains a fully prohibitionist marijuana state as of 2026, with no medical cannabis program and no recreational legalization. Possession of half an ounce or less is a Class A misdemeanor under TCA 39-17-418, carrying up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Public consumption can add disorderly conduct or DUI charges. Hemp-derived products under 0.3% Delta-9 THC are legal under the 2014 TN Hemp Act and 2018 federal Farm Bill, leading to confusion with THCA flower and Delta-8 sales now facing tightening state Department of Agriculture rules.
Possession is a Class A misdemeanor, second offense possession greater than half ounce becomes felony, with public use adding charges.
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee has not legalized medical or recreational cannabis. Knoxville cannot license cannabis dispensaries. Only narrowly licensed hemp-derived cannabinoid...
Knoxville, TN
Growing marijuana plants at home is illegal anywhere in Knoxville under Tennessee state law. Home cultivation of industrial hemp requires a state license and...
See how Knoxville's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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