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HB 2062

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases the amount of marijuana that may be possessed, from one-half ounce to five ounces, for it to be considered a small amount of marijuana and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor; revises penalty to make it punishable by a $500 fine for a first offense and a $1,000 fine for a second or subsequent offense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Towns

Tennessee bill increases marijuana possession threshold from 0.5 to 5 ounces for misdemeanor charges, reducing penalties to $500-$1,000 fines instead of jail time.

Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2062

Legislative bill overview

HB 2062 increases Tennessee's threshold for small-amount marijuana possession from 0.5 ounces to 5 ounces while keeping it classified as a Class A misdemeanor. It simultaneously reduces penalties to $500 for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, replacing what were previously more severe criminal penalties.

Why is this important

This bill affects how Tennessee's criminal justice system treats marijuana possession, potentially reducing incarceration rates and criminal records for low-level offenders while raising the baseline amount someone can possess before facing charges. It reflects a shift toward decriminalization rather than full legalization, with financial penalties replacing jail time as the primary consequence.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing inconsistency: Maintaining Class A misdemeanor classification while substantially increasing permissible amounts creates a mismatch—the same charge category applies to 5 ounces as 0.5 ounces, raising fairness questions
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill doesn't clarify how existing charges or convictions will be handled, potentially leaving defendants with disproportionate penalties
  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue a tenfold increase in possession limits creates public safety risks or normalizes drug use, while supporters counter fines without incarceration reduce recidivism
  • Enforcement inequality: Increased thresholds could lead to disparate enforcement across jurisdictions if police discretion isn't standardized

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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