Tennessee Drug Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 01, 2024

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If you're caught with a controlled substance in Tennessee, you can face a lengthy prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines. Even a simple possession of controlled substances charge can result in almost a year of jail time and a hefty fine. Depending on the circumstances, you could also face felony charges, resulting in many years of imprisonment and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

This article provides an overview of Tennessee's drug laws. For more specific information about drug trafficking and possession charges, try Findlaw's Drug Trafficking and Drug Distribution article. There are also helpful links at the end of this article.

Tennessee Controlled Substances Overview

Like many states, Tennessee classifies controlled substances into schedules. The state's seven schedules are based on the drug's level of abuse, addiction, and accepted medical uses. In general, the higher the risk for abuse and addiction, the greater the danger level. Examples of drugs in each schedule are as follows:

The table below contains information about Tennessee's drug laws and criminal penalties. Visit the links in the table or FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more information.

Tennessee Drug Law Code Statutes

Tennessee Code

 

Tennessee Drug Crimes

 

Under Tennessee law, a simple possession charge is a Class A misdemeanor (§ 39-17-418). Almost all other violations of drug laws are felonies under § 39-17-417, including the following:

  • Manufacturing a controlled substance
  • Delivering a controlled substance
  • Selling a controlled substance
  • Possessing a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell it

Tennessee Possible Drug Crime Penalties

Criminal penalties for a controlled substance conviction will depend on numerous factors, including one's prior convictions for drug offenses or other crimes. Possible penalties include:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Forfeiture of property
  • Suspension of one's driver's license
  • Community service

Tennessee Criminal Sentencing for Drug Offenses

Class A Felonies

A person is guilty of a Class A felony if they manufacture, deliver, possess with intent, or sell the following amounts of controlled substances (among others):

  • 150 grams or more of fentanyl, heroin, or morphine
  • 50 grams or more of hydromorphone or LSD
  • 300 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine
  • 300 or more pounds of marijuana

A Class A felony conviction is punishable by:

  • A mandatory minimum sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $500,000

Class B Felonies

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule I controlled substance is a Class B felony, punishable by:

  • A mandatory minimum sentence of eight to 30 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $100,000

A person is also guilty of a Class B felony if they possess 0.5 grams or more of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and several specific opiates classified in Schedule II. Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling those specific Schedule II controlled substances in an amount less than 0.5 grams while carrying or employing a deadly weapon, or if the offense resulted in death or bodily injury to a person, is also a Class B felony.

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling the following amounts of controlled substances (among others) is a Class B felony:

  • 15 or more grams of fentanyl, heroin or morphine
  • Five or more grams of hydromorphone or LSD
  • 26 or more grams of cocaine or methamphetamine
  • Between 70 and 300 pounds of marijuana

The mandatory minimum sentence is between eight to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000.

Class C Felonies

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling any Schedule II controlled substance in an amount less than 0.5 grams is a Class C felony, punishable by:

  • Between three to 15 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $100,000

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling flunitrazepam (also known as "Rohypnol" or "roofies"), a Schedule IV drug, is a Class C felony.

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule VI controlled substance containing hashish between four pounds, one gram, but no more than eight pounds, or 20 to 99 marijuana plants, is a Class C felony.

Class D Felonies

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule III or IV controlled substance is a Class D felony, punishable by:

  • Between two to 12 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $50,000 fine

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule VI controlled substance (i.e., marijuana) between one gram and 10 pounds is a Class D felony.

Class E Felonies

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule V controlled substance is a Class E felony, punishable by:

  • Between one to six years in prison
  • A fine of up to $5,000

Manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent, or selling a Schedule VII controlled substance is also a Class E felony and carries up to a $1,000 fine.

Class A Misdemeanor

Knowingly possessing or engaging in the casual exchange of a controlled substance, unless a practitioner has issued a valid prescription, is a Class A misdemeanor.

A Class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.

Note: Tennessee state laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings, and other means. Consult a Tennessee drug crime attorney or conduct your own legal research to confirm current state laws.

Tennessee Drug Laws: Related Resources

For more information about Tennessee's drug laws, browse the following links:

Browse FindLaw's State Codes section for more information about other state's drug possession laws.

Facing Drug Charges in Tennessee? Talk to an Attorney

If law enforcement has charged you with possession of a controlled substance, a drug paraphernalia charge, or any other type of drug charge reaching out to a Tennessee drug crime attorney is a good idea. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide helpful legal advice whether you face your first offense or a subsequent drug possession charge.

A criminal defense lawyer can provide specific advice about the following:

Speaking with a criminal defense attorney will get you started on your defense strategy. Put their expertise to work for you.

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