Marijuana is illegal in the state of Tennessee. But what about medical marijuana? And can you smoke pot on a plane? We break down everything you need to know before your next trip.
When most people think of states that have legalized recreational cannabis use and production for residents over 21 years old, they picture California or Colorado — two places famous for their laid-back vibe.
However, another state is making waves as it begins legalizing some forms of legal cannabis consumption. As of July 2018, Tennessee became one of only three states where adults can possess small amounts of cannabis without fear of arrest, thanks to its new laws. The other states are Massachusetts and Vermont [sources: Kelleher et al., Storch].
Though this change will likely take time to implement fully across the entire state, many Tennesseans already see benefits from legalization. For instance, since 2016, several entrepreneurs have devised innovative ways to sell recreational marijuana through vending machines, like those found at college campuses, airports, casinos, and grocery stores.
Consumers no longer need to go into dispensaries to buy products. Instead, they swipe a card or scan an ID to purchase cannabis. These businesses also cut out go-betweens who attempt to charge high markups for goods sold by smaller dispensaries. As a result, more money goes back to customers instead of lining the pockets of greedy businesspeople by cutting out these unnecessary fees.
While current legislation allows for limited possession of marijuana in Tennessee, it does not allow people to grow their cannabis plants. However, the law has been amended so that anyone 18 years old or older may apply for a license to cultivate medicinal cannabis legally if they suffer from specific ailments such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizures, HIV/AIDS, or glaucoma caused by chemotherapy.
These licenses must be renewed annually, and applicants must undergo background checks. Though licensed growers cannot keep any product above five thousand pounds annually, others are free to continue growing personal supplies. So what else do we know about medical marijuana in Tennessee? Keep reading!
Since laws keep changing rapidly, making things a bit confusing sometimes, check out our friends at DISA to see a complete map of every state. They have information on what is legal, medical use, recreational use, and everything else.
What Is Medical Cannabis Like In TN?
As mentioned earlier, Tennessee recently started allowing qualified patients to obtain a license to grow their medicinal cannabis. If approved, you’ll receive a letter from the Department of Health after completing an online application. This letter includes information regarding how you qualify to partake in medical marijuana under the new regulations.
It details which conditions you’re eligible to treat with cannabis oil, tinctures, and capsules. Patients may apply for a single type of plant or multiple options depending on their specific needs. Once submitted, the department reviews each case within 30 days. After passing inspection, individuals will receive official confirmation of licensure via mail.
Unfortunately, despite being one of only three states that permit medicinal cannabis usage, Tennessee still lacks access to many different strains of THC. As a result, while researchers work diligently to discover new methods of treating various diseases, they often find themselves hindered because of the lack of available medicine.
Because of this, many doctors recommend using alternatives to THC, such as cannabidiol, and CBD, to help alleviate symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause users to get “high.”
Unlike THC, CBD won’t make you paranoid or give you hallucinations. Additionally, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, more than 50 percent of Americans support legalizing cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes. With that in mind, let’s see why you might want to consider flying somewhere where smoking grass isn’t against the rules.
Are There Any Places You Can Smoke Pot On A Plane Legally?
Unfortunately, if you plan to visit Tennessee anytime soon, you could do something similar based solely on the fact that you brought weed onboard the plane. In 2017, Delta Airlines began testing a flight simulator to train employees to deal with passengers caught smoking marijuana onboard planes. When asked whether he’d ever smoked marijuana while traveling, CEO Ed Bastian told Bloomberg News: “I don’t condone it, but I understand it.”
According to TSA guidelines, travelers caught carrying marijuana onto commercial flights risk having the substance confiscated along with their luggage. In addition, since 2014, federal law has prohibited smoking marijuana anywhere inside airport terminals, including gates and restrooms.
So even if you could smuggle the drug past security guards, you wouldn’t be permitted to light up unless you took off and landed outside U.S. airspace. Still, this hasn’t stopped thousands upon thousands of tourists from visiting Amsterdam annually for centuries.
People flock to Dutch cities to bring home souvenirs of the country’s tolerance toward cannabis culture. Therefore, if you plan to visit Amsterdam, remember that you shouldn’t expect to catch a quick tour between countries on your itinerary.
Luckily, there are plenty of places worldwide where you can enjoy a nice fat spliff. Check out our list below!
The Netherlands – Known for its liberal policies regarding cannabis use, visitors to popular tourist destinations such as the Red Light District and coffee shops throughout the city aren’t going to raise too many eyebrows when trying to stuff a joint into their suitcase.
Spain – Spain has long been known as Europe’s mecca for smokers looking to indulge in some quality herb. Popular locations include Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao. Don’t forget to pack extra rolling papers, lighters, and bongs!
Canada – Canada’s government strictly regulates which provinces offer cannabis sales. As a result, most Canadians head north during summertime for outdoor activities, where it’s easier to conceal drugs.
South Korea – South Korean authorities rarely crack down hard on recreational cannabis users. Although the country did ban drug imports until 2021, local shops selling ganja opened in Seoul in February 2019.
Japan – Japan’s strict cultural norms mean locals avoid bringing weed wherever possible. Despite this, Japanese citizens can import dried bud from abroad once every six months.
Mexico – Mexico has become one of America’s top vacation spots due to its relaxed attitude towards marijuana use. Tourists can freely travel from town to town without worrying about getting busted. However, remember to check the laws of your destination beforehand!
Australia – Australia’s conservative government enacted harsh penalties for possessing or trafficking controlled substances, including cannabis, in 2007. Fortunately, Australians traveling outside the country can carry up to 5 grams of marijuana.
Argentina – Argentina implemented a national policy banning cannabis cultivation and distribution in 2015. So unless you’ve got a green thumb, don’t count on taking home any seeds.
New Zealand – New Zealanders are among the most pro-cannabis people in the developed world. The nation’s capital Wellington hosts dozens of annual festivals celebrating everything from hemp fashion shows to live music concerts.
Turkey – Turkey’s relatively recent embrace of cannabis culture makes it easy to score fresh buds without breaking any laws. Many Turks prefer buying weed overseas rather than risking confiscation at home.
Brazil – Brazilians consume less cannabis than people in nearly every other country. Yet, locals often face little hassle obtaining it. Some areas in Rio de Janeiro feature large open markets where vendors openly hawk their wares.
Cambodia – Cambodians love their weed. UN estimates that roughly 9 million of Cambodia’s 14 million people regularly use marijuana recreationally. As a result, local police seldom bother enforcing cannabis prohibition laws.
Vietnam – Vietnam’s stance on marijuana has remained unchanged since 1979. At that point, Vietnamese officials classified cannabis as dangerous, addictive, and harmful to public health. Even today, the government continues to deny entry to foreigners attempting to enter the country with cannabis.
Thailand – Thailand’s national airline officially banned smoking aboard aircraft in 2009. However, enforcement is lax and international airlines typically handle any problems on-site.
India – India passed a bill prohibiting cannabis farming in 2010. Despite this, farmers continue to turn to the crop for income. They commonly harvest flowers near temples and monasteries, hoping to earn tips from pilgrims.
Nepal – Nepal has historically tolerated cannabis farming even though neighboring China bans it outright. As a result, Nepalese farmers grow the best hashish worldwide. But be careful if you decide to sample the goods. Only purchase from reputable dealers in Kathmandu. Otherwise, you could land yourself behind bars.
China – Chinese officials enforce strict anti-drug laws. Citizens caught with weed can face fines of $25 or imprisonment. Luckily, Chinese ex-pats living abroad feel safe purchasing cannabis for personal use.
Chad – Chad’s cannabis trade thrives mainly due to the nation’s proximity to Nigeria and Libya. Both countries produce vast quantities of low-quality cannabis destined for export. Moreover, security forces rarely interfere with exports originating from either source.
Kenya – Kenyans grow vast crops of cannabis. Locals use the leaves medicinally and frequently dry them for storage. Often, traders transport the dried leaf form of the plant overseas, leaving the flower untouched.
Africa – Africa’s poor agricultural output provides ample opportunity for criminal organizations to smuggle cannabis from one African nation to another. In addition, smugglers routinely bribe border patrol officers to overlook narcotics shipments [sources: Dube, Rafferty].
Wherever you choose to spend your holiday, remember that not everyone shares your views on marijuana use.
