News Summary
Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill to regulate the hemp industry, targeting THCa products. The legislation, now awaiting the governor’s approval, could significantly impact local businesses. Advocates stress the need for consumer protection and market oversight while business owners express concerns over potential operational disruptions.
Tennessee legislators have passed a controversial bill aimed at regulating the hemp industry, sending it to Governor Lee’s office for potential enactment. The legislation, which has sparked ongoing debates among lawmakers, proposes significant changes that could impact local businesses, particularly those specializing in THCa products.
The new regulations would ban the sale of THCa products both in physical stores and through shipping channels. THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-intoxicating compound found in hemp that can cause psychoactive effects when heated. Local business owners, such as Andrew Fox, owner of Veteran Grown in Clarksville, are closely monitoring the progress of the bill and voicing their concerns regarding the future of their enterprises. Reportedly, THCa products constitute approximately 85% of Fox’s sales, raising alarms about the viability of his business should the legislation be enacted.
The legislation’s proponents argue that the new regulations are necessary to protect consumers and business owners alike. With legislators referring to the current hemp market as akin to “the wild west,” there is a palpable sense of urgency to impose tighter oversight. Key provisions of the new law include a limitation on the potency of THCa products to three-tenths of a percent and additional taxes and licensing requirements that would place enforcement duties under the purview of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Republican Rep. Mark Cochrane, a supporter of the ban on THCa products, has highlighted public safety concerns as a primary motivator for the legislation. He is joined in this effort by Republican Rep. William Lamberth, who emphasizes the intoxicating effects of high-potency products and advocates for regulations comparable to those governing alcoholic beverages.
Discussion of the bill took place on the House floor on April 10, 2025, culminating in its passage through the legislature. As the bill now awaits the governor’s approval, business owners are left to contemplate their options. Andrew Fox has indicated that, if the regulations are adopted, he may consider relocating his operations to states with more favorable conditions for hemp businesses, such as North Carolina, Virginia, or California.
The proposed regulations are framed as necessary measures to ensure transparency in the hemp market, allowing consumers to be better informed about the products they purchase. The intention behind these regulations is to bolster consumer safety and protect both the integrity of hemp products and the businesses that sell them.
Background context reveals that Veteran Grown was among the early entrants into Tennessee’s hemp market, being the second company established in the state. Owners Andrew Fox and his wife are both veterans of the 101st Airborne Division and have built their business on the premise of quality hemp products. The company has played an integral role in the local industry, navigating the evolving landscape of hemp regulations.
As the legislative body continues to focus on the safety and well-being of consumers, local businesses face the possibility of significant operational disruptions. The trajectory of the hemp industry in Tennessee hangs in the balance as Governor Lee prepares to review the newly passed legislation. How this decision will influence the future of the industry remains uncertain, but it has already prompted strong reactions from stakeholders within the community who depend on the hemp market for their livelihood.
With the growing interest in hemp products and their various applications, the outcome of this legislation will likely set important precedents not just for Tennessee, but potentially for broader hemp regulatory practices across the country as well. The fate of businesses like Veteran Grown may rest on the governor’s desk, exemplifying the complex dynamics of legislative approaches to emerging industries.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NewsChannel 5: Growing Concerns for Tennessee Business Owner
- Wikipedia: Hemp
- Times Free Press: Facing Tennessee Hemp Law Changes
- Google Search: Tennessee hemp legislation
- Tennessean: Tennessee 2025 Legislative Session
- Google Scholar: Tennessee hemp law
- Nashville Banner: Hemp, Marijuana and Canine Law Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hemp Regulations
- Times Free Press: Tennessee Supreme Court Rules on Drug Dogs
- Google News: Tennessee hemp news
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
