National Testing Services Contact

Drug testing in Tennessee

State laws, marijuana laws, and employer compliance

Recreational marijuana: IllegalMedical marijuana: LimitedDOT rules apply nationwide
Call 601-602-2445Choose another state

For employers

Tennessee drug testing laws

Governing law

Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program; Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-9 (Drug-Free Workplace Programs)

What you can do

Employer rights

  • Employers may test applicants before hiring
  • Random testing is allowed
  • Reasonable suspicion testing is lawful
  • Post-accident testing is permitted
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing are allowed
  • Employers may refuse to hire or terminate for positive results
  • Employers may adopt zero-tolerance drug-free workplace policies
What you must do

Compliance requirements

  • Maintain written drug-free workplace policies
  • Notify applicants and employees
  • Use certified laboratories
  • Follow chain-of-custody procedures
  • Use confirmation testing and medical review officers where appropriate
  • Apply policies consistently and fairly

Tennessee specifics

Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program Benefits

  • Workers' compensation premium discounts
  • Reduced workplace liability exposure
  • Better workplace safety compliance
  • Legal protections for testing-related employment decisions

Cannabis

Tennessee marijuana laws

Recreational · Illegal

Recreational use

  • Recreational marijuana remains illegal
  • Possession can bring criminal penalties depending on quantity and circumstances
Medical · Limited

Medical use

  • No broad medical marijuana program
  • Limited low-THC cannabis oil access may exist in narrow medical situations
At work

Workplace impact

  • Employers may enforce strict zero-tolerance policies
  • Positive THC tests may affect employment status
  • Employers generally need not accommodate marijuana use
  • Safety-sensitive and federally regulated positions face strict compliance standards

Best practices

Staying compliant in Tennessee

Develop written drug-free workplace policies
Give employees and applicants proper notice
Use certified labs and MRO review
Keep up with changing cannabis legislation
Enforce testing policies consistently
Work with trusted testing providers

Our services

Testing services in Tennessee

NTS provides accurate, confidential, and legally defensible testing through our nationwide collection network.

Urine drug testingHair follicle testingOral fluid (saliva) testingNail drug testingDOT drug and alcohol testingCourt-ordered testingRandom and pre-employment screening

Sources & legal references

  1. Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program
  2. Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-9
  3. Tennessee medical cannabis and hemp laws
  4. U.S. DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations
  5. NCSL Marijuana Laws by State

Laws change often. This page is general information, not legal advice. Check official state agencies or consult legal counsel for current requirements.

← PreviousSouth Dakota All statesBack to map Next →Texas

Testing employees in Tennessee?

Call the office to set up a compliant program, or schedule onsite collections.

Office601-602-2445 Onsite601-633-7733
Visit1520 Adeline St, Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39401