Visiting Tennessee with a Medical Marijuana Card? Here is What You Need to Know

If you have a valid medical marijuana card from your home state, it does not necessarily transfer to Tennessee — at least, not yet.

As the stigma surrounding marijuana continues to soften, medical marijuana users are sometimes left in limbo as confusing laws leave them open to the potential risk of criminal charges. Just because your state licenses you to do something, it does not mean that other states will follow the same laws or agree to recognize your home state’s laws.

If you have a valid medical marijuana card, it is important to understand the risks of traveling with CBD products, especially if you plan to travel out of your home state. Unfortunately, Tennessee is one of the last remaining states that has not legalized marijuana. There is a proposed bill that would allow medical marijuana, which would also allow people traveling into the state to be covered, but the bill is dead until 2020 at this point. The bill did not receive enough support during the last legislative session, so it has been delayed until next year.

Tennessee Does Not Have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

Some U.S. states offer what is known as reciprocity laws that enable you to bring your marijuana and related products into the state without being hassled. Although you may be able to bring it in, it does not mean the state will allow you to purchase more medical grade cannabis with a prescription from another state. In addition, just because your condition qualifies for a medical marijuana card in your state, other states may not recognize your illness or condition as being eligible for medical marijuana in that location, as well.

Neither of these scenarios are applicable in Tennessee. Tennessee does not allow you to bring in your products, nor will you be able to purchase any products with your prescription. Remember, even though your state may allow medical marijuana usage and protect those bringing products in from other states with proper documentation, the federal government still considers its usage illegal. This means that you could be facing federal charges for using and transporting medical marijuana within or to or from these specific states.

Marijuana Possession Charges in Tennessee

If you are arrested for possession of marijuana or marijuana-related products in Tennessee, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how much you have in your possession. Currently, marijuana is listed as a controlled Schedule VI drug in Tennessee. It is illegal in the state to “knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance.” It is also illegal to distribute even a small amount of marijuana not in excess of one-half of an ounce, which is 14.175 grams.

A charge of possession can result in a Class A misdemeanor, and you could be facing a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. You could also be sentenced to complete a drug offender program and/or do community service at a drug or alcohol treatment center.

Contact a Manchester Drug Possession Attorney

If you have questions on medical marijuana in Tennessee or traveling with a medical marijuana card, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable Manchester drug possession attorney who can advise you on the most up-to-date information. If you have been charged with illegal possession with a medical marijuana card, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side. Even misdemeanor convictions can have long-lasting legal consequences. Contact Burch, Morrison, & Stewart (931) 954-1066 to schedule a consultation.