Tennessee Statewide Rule

Tennessee Marijuana Home Cultivation Prohibition Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Tennessee (2026)

Key Facts

Cultivation Status: Class E felony minimum
Possession Threshold: 0.5 oz misdemeanor
Medical Program: Low-THC oil only
Local Override: Not permitted

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Tennessee prohibits all marijuana cultivation, possession, and personal use under Tenn. Code Title 39 Chapter 17, leaving no authority for municipalities to legalize home growing.

A violation of subsection (a) with respect to a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana and containing not less than ten pounds (10 lbs.), one gram (4536 grams) of marijuana nor more than seventy pounds (70 lbs.) (31,696 grams) of marijuana, or a Schedule VI controlled substance defined as a non-leafy, resinous material containing tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish) and containing not less than two pounds (2 lbs.), one gram (906 grams) nor more than four pounds (4 lbs.) (1810 grams) of hashish, or a Schedule VI controlled substance classified as marijuana consisting of not less than ten (10) marijuana plants nor more than nineteen (19) marijuana plants, regardless of weight, is a Class D felony and, in addition, may be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-17-417 makes it a Class E felony to manufacture marijuana, including cultivation of any quantity. Possession of one-half ounce or less is a Class A misdemeanor under Section 39-17-418, escalating to felonies for larger amounts. The narrow medical exception in Tenn. Code 39-17-402 covers only low-THC cannabis oil for limited conditions and does not authorize home cultivation. Tennessee has not enacted recreational or full medical legalization, and cities cannot decriminalize or permit cultivation in conflict with state criminal law.

Violations & Penalties

Cultivation is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years imprisonment and fines up to $3,000; larger grows trigger higher felony classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to grow marijuana at home in Tennessee?

No, growing any amount of marijuana is a Class E felony under Tenn. Code 39-17-417, and no Tennessee city has authority to legalize home cultivation.

Does Tennessee have medical marijuana?

Tennessee permits only low-THC cannabis oil for narrow qualifying conditions; the program does not authorize patients or caregivers to cultivate cannabis at home.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.