Cannabis

74.5% Mocs haven’t used cannabis (marijuana, weed, hash, edibles, or vaped cannabis) in the last 3 months (NCHA, Spring 2026). But, if you or your friends do imbibe, understanding which products are legal, which are unregulated, and how it’s impacting your body is part of making informed choices.  

THC and CBD 
There are two compounds most often marketed in products derived from the cannabis plant: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound—it’s what causes the sensations of being high. CBD is non-psychoactive (it doesn’t get you high). CBD can be used for potential health benefits, though the evidence for these purposes varies in quality. 
 

What's Legal in Tennessee?

“Marijuana,” federally defined in the Controlled Substances Act as cannabis-derived products containing ≥0.3% concentration of THC by dry weight, is illegal in Tennessee for both medical and recreational purposes.  

Some cannabis products are permitted, specifically those with low-THC content.  

People with certain medical conditions may possess products with ≥0.9% THC if recommended by an out-of-state physician. These products may not be legal for purchase in the state of Tennessee. 
 

Cannabis Impaired Driving 

It’s recommended you wait 6 hours after smoking cannabis to operate a vehicle, but onset and peak times of other methods of consumption vary. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different. 

Cannabis & Overdose

While greening out may be uncomfortable, overdosing on cannabis alone is not lifethreatening. There is also no good evidence of fentanyl or other illicit opioids being found in cannabis products. 

When in doubt, start low (use a smaller dose), and go slow (wait a while between hits). 
 

 

Time to Take a Break? 
Over time, tolerance builds--especially if using cannabis more frequently, or in high doses. You may find you’re having to use more and more to get the same effect, or not able to achieve the same high as before. The good news is that we can reset our tolerance back to zero with a 21-day tolerance break (aka t-break). 

If you’d like to see whether a break can work for you, download our 21 Day T-Break Guide.

Want more info? 
Use our free, confidential eCheckup resource to get personalized feedback on how your cannabis use compares to other Mocs.