TCA 39-17-456

Prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or sale of xylazine

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor

Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to knowingly possess xylazine (an animal tranquilizer), or to manufacture, deliver, or sell it, or to possess it with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell it; however, legitimate veterinary use and possession under a valid veterinary prescription are exceptions. Possession alone is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500; manufacturing, delivering, or selling is a Class C felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor

Maximum Jail11 months 29 days

Maximum Fine$2,500

Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

Enhancement NotesBase: Class A misdemeanor. Enhanced to: Class C felony, Class C felony

(a) It is an offense to knowingly possess xylazine. (A) A practitioner as an incident to administering or dispensing a controlled substance in the course of professional practice. See Tennessee Code 39-17-402(b) It is an offense to knowingly manufacture, deliver, or sell xylazine. (c) It is an offense to knowingly possess xylazine with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell xylazine. (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) – (c): (1) It is not an offense to possess, manufacture, deliver, or sell xylazine in the course of legitimate veterinary practice; and (2) It is not an offense to possess xylazine pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian; (e) As used in this section, “xylazine” means xylazine and any salt, sulfate, isomer, homologue, analog, or other preparation of xylazine, and any salt, sulfate, isomer, compound, derivative, precursor, homologue, analog, or other preparation thereof that is substantially chemically equivalent or identical to xylazine. (f) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor; and (g) A violation of subsection (b) or (c) is a Class C felony.

View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026