Many people think that marijuana is legal if they obtained it legally – for example, bought it in a state such as Colorado. Unfortunately, your “legal” marijuana becomes illegal as soon as you cross the border into Tennessee.

Currently, four states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Many other states have decriminalized possession of a small quantity of marijuana (usually up to an ounce), or have permissive medical marijuana laws. Unfortunately, Tennessee is not one of these states. Here, possession of marijuana is a serious crime, subject to harsh consequences. You face jail time, a significant fine and a permanent criminal record, even for possession of a small quantity of marijuana that you obtained legally in another state.

With a patchwork of conflicting state and federal marijuana laws, it’s easy to run afoul of the law when transporting marijuana from one state to another. Here’s what you need to know:

• Don’t bring medical marijuana into Tennessee, even if you have a prescription. Tennessee’s medical marijuana laws are far more restrictive that those of other states.
• If you buy marijuana in a legal state, make sure it stays in the legal state.

If you inadvertently bring marijuana into Tennessee, and a police officer asks to search your person or vehicle, politely decline. Don’t attempt to explain why the marijuana is in your possession. You will only incriminate yourself. Finally, contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The law firm of The Lanzon Firm defends clients charged with clients who are charged with marijuana possession in the Knoxville area. In many cases, we are able to resolve the charges while keeping a criminal conviction off your record.