A Tennessee bill, HB 1376, passed in the House and is headed to the Senate, effectively banning THC-A sales by transferring regulatory control of hemp-derived cannabinoid products to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The bill, supported by Representative William Lamberth, aims to regulate these “intoxicating substances” like alcohol due to their perceived dangers. An amendment by Representative Mark Cocharan bans hemp products with over 0.3% total THC content, including most THC-A products.

Local hemp businesses, like Hemp House and BLOM Shop, face significant losses, with some estimating up to 80% of sales impacted, potentially devastating retailers, wholesalers, and hemp farmers. Critics argue the bill was rushed and lacked stakeholder input.