Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that will introduce new regulations to the Tennessee hemp industry in 2026.
The legislation, House Bill 1376, bans products with THCA and synthetic cannabinoids and also prohibits direct-to-consumer sales. The bill also transfers authority over hemp-derived cannabinoid products from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The most significant aspect of the legislation is that it would restrict the manufacturing and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products that are not Delta-9 THC to a maximum concentration of 0.3%. This regulation restricts the types of hemp products that can be sold within the state.
The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville. "We have a situation here in Tennessee where we are essentially dealing with unregulated recreational marijuana," Briggs said during debate on the bill. "It's the wild west out there."
This bill will take effect as soon as it becomes law for administrative purposes. For all other purposes, it will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
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