Tennessee lawmakers are gearing up for a key vote that might dramatically reshape the state’s booming hemp sector, with competing payments within the Home and Senate proposing sharply completely different approaches to regulating intoxicating hemp.
The state’s hemp market is estimated to generate $280–$560 million yearly, supporting farms, processors, and retailers.
Each legislative proposals, which head to finance committees this week, would impose a $0.01 per milligram wholesale tax and shift oversight from the Division of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Fee (TABC).
However the central divide lies in how the 2 chambers deal with THCA. The Senate model, sponsored by Sen. Richard Briggs, seeks to ban the compound, citing a 2024 DOJ letter that classifies it as a managed substance.
Conversely, the Home model, amended to guard farmers, would allow regulated gross sales.
Trade leaders say Tennessee has an opportunity to pioneer a regulated THCA market, providing readability whereas preserving income and livelihoods.
If each chambers cross their respective variations with out main adjustments, the laws will head to a convention committee to resolve discrepancies earlier than the Common Meeting adjourns for the 12 months.
