A Tennessee proposal that would significantly change how marijuana possession is treated under state law has moved forward in the legislature, passing second consideration in the Senate and being referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Filed by State Senator Raumesh Akbari (D), SB 2095 would increase the amount of marijuana considered a “small amount” under Tennessee law from one-half ounce to five ounces. The change would amend multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39, Chapter 17, which governs drug offenses, replacing the current 14.175-gram threshold with 141.748 grams across the relevant statutes.
Under existing law, possession of more than half an ounce can expose individuals to heightened criminal penalties. The bill would instead treat possession of up to five ounces as a low-level offense, substantially broadening the range of what Tennessee considers minor possession.
The measure would also revise how penalties are applied. Possession would remain classified as a Class A misdemeanor, but the legislation creates a defined fine structure for those found with less than five ounces. A first offense would carry a $500 fine, while a second or subsequent offense would carry a $1,000 fine.
By updating the quantity referenced throughout state law, SB 2095 would reduce the legal risk faced by individuals carrying amounts far above the current half-ounce limit, while still maintaining misdemeanor status for possession.
If approved by lawmakers, the changes would take effect July 1, 2026.
