Updated 10/15/19

Marijuana remains illegal in Tennessee, but times are changing. These days, not all cases are prosecuted.

A Lewisburg woman was arrested and charged, but fought it and the case was thrown out.

It all began when she was pulled over by an officer while driving.

Melody Cashion said the Lewisburg officer told her he smelled something odd and threatened to search the vehicle, so she handed over a small baggie of cannabis.

She was charged with drug possession and prosecutors told Cashion she faced a potential of 11 month, 28 days sentence and should agree to a plea deal.

Cashion took cannabis for a painful nerve condition because she could no longer tolerate the opioids prescribed by the doctor.

She decided not to enter a plea, daring the state to prosecute her.

In the case, prosecution could not prove she had an illegal substance and the drug charges were dismissed.

She said it sets the stage now for thousands of other Tennesseans caught with small amounts of cannabis to successfully  challenge the charges.

Telling the difference between hemp which is legal in Tennessee and illegal marijuana is difficult. State lawmakers are taking notice and are expected to address this issue next legislative session.