Tennessee § 53-10-105 - Possession without prescription unlawful.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-10-105 — Possession without prescription unlawful., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-10-105. Possession without prescription unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person to have in the person's possession, any drug defined or enumerated in this part, without the drug having been prescribed by a duly licensed physician, certified physician assistant, dentist, optometrist authorized pursuant to § 63-8-102(12), or veterinarian, and having been dispensed by a pharmacy duly licensed and registered in this state, unless the person was a resident of another state and had the prescription filled by a duly licensed and registered pharmacist of the other state. This section does not apply to authorized agents and representatives of pharmaceutical manufacturers, firms or wholesalers. Nothing in this section applies to a licensed physician, certified physician assistant, dentist, optometrist authorized pursuant to § 63-8-102(12), or veterinarian, nor to the drugs under the control of the physician, certified physician assistant, dentist, optometrist authorized pursuant to § 63-8-102(12), or veterinarian in the practice of that person's profession, and the exemption includes a nurse authorized pursuant to § 63-6-204 or § 63-9-113, who is rendering service under the supervision, control and responsibility of a licensed physician, and who meets the requirements pursuant to § 63-7-207(13). Acts 1955, ch. 89, § 1; 1963, ch. 369, §§ 2, 4; T.C.A., § 52-1206; Acts 1987, ch. 217, § 4; 1987, ch. 244, §§ 1, 3, 5; 1994, ch. 722, § 4; 1996, ch. 754, § 2; 2000, ch. 541, §§ 2, 3. Cross-References. Physician assistants, §§ 63-19-106 , 63-19-107 . Law Reviews. Criminal Law and Procedure — 1963 Tennessee Survey (Robert E. Kendrick), 17 Vand. L. Rev. 977. Attorney General Opinions. Constitutionality of §§ 53-10-104 and 53-10-105 , OAG 99-172 (9/2/99). Cited: Manning v. Jarnigan, 501 F.2d 408, 1974 U.S. App. LEXIS 7407 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1974); State v. Headley, — S.W.3d —, 2009 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 817 (Tenn. Crim. App. Sept. 29, 2009); State v. Christopher, — S.W.3d —, 2013 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 230 (Tenn. Crim. App. Mar. 14, 2013).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-10-105
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-10-105 cover?
Section 53-10-105 ("Possession without prescription unlawful.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 53-10-105?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-10-105" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 53-10-105 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.