Marijuana - Why am I Charged With a Crime?

In recent years, the legal landscape surrounding marijuana has changed in the United States. Many states now allow medical marijuana and some states even allow marijuana to be used recreationally. In the states which have made these changes, some people are quite relieved they can use marijuana legally. However, not all states have legalized and in fact, it remains illegal to possess marijuana in most states. So even with the legalization of marijuana sweeping the nation, people are still finding themselves charged with marijuana related crimes and those crimes are serious.

For example, marijuana containing more than .03% THC is illegal to possess in Tennessee. Therefore, even if it is legal in your state, passing through Tennessee with it is a crime. Often, people are entering Tennessee not even realizing that the marijuana they brought with them is illegal in Tennessee. A prescription in another state is not a defense to a Tennessee Marijuana Charge. Even though most people, including law makers and law enforcement in Tennessee, agree that marijuana is somewhat safe and relatively harmless, being charged with a marijuana crime is serious. The consequences of a drug conviction can impact a person’s life for years to come. As an example: a person who has a drug conviction on their record can be denied federal student aid and federal student loans, even if it is a marijuana conviction.

With the adoption of Hemp and CBD, this area of the law has become even more confusing. Is it legal, is it not? It can be difficult to tell. If you are facing criminal charges due to marijuana possession or any drug charges, it is vital that you seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney to explore your options and learn about what can be done to defend your rights.