Tennessee Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on Tennessee hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of October 8, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Tennessee, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Tennessee defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. and derivatives with delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis, per Tennessee Code § 43‑27‑103(a)(2) (Acts 2019 ch. 87; 2022 ch. 907) ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-43/chapter-27/part-1/section-43-27-103/?utm_source=openai)). Hemp crops must test at total THC ≤ 0.3% (post‑decarboxylation) under TDA’s USDA‑approved State Hemp Plan, effective sampling/testing rules as of December 26, 2024 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080‑10‑01‑.05 and related) ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/hemp.html?utm_source=openai)). SB 1652 (2026) redefines hemp to exclude intermediate HDC products with >0.3% total THC and final HDC products with >0.4 mg total THC per container, effective upon enactment (2026) ([wapp.capitol.tn.gov](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1652&utm_source=openai)). HB 1503 (Pub. Ch. 698, effective April 28, 2026) mandates HDC retail products include batch number and QR code linking to COA within three clicks ([wapp.capitol.tn.gov](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1503&ga=114&utm_source=openai)). HB 1243 (2025) extends HDCP licensure and regulation to “smoking hemp,” defines setbacks, fees, and inspections if enacted ([wapp.capitol.tn.gov](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1243&ga=114&utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp and HDC products are allowed if compliant with state THC limits and licensing. Transport of hemp concentrate >0.3% THC is permitted only with grower’s license proof in vehicle per Tenn. Code § 43‑27‑103(b) ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-43/chapter-27/part-1/section-43-27-103/?utm_source=openai)). Age verification (21+) required at retail under HB 2366’s provisions prohibiting sale to minors (if enacted) ([capitol.tn.gov](https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/112/Bill/HB2366.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Retailers must hold valid TABC license after June 30, 2026; legacy TDA licenses valid until then ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/hemp.html?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

TDA requires sampling and testing of each grow area within 30 days of harvest; fee $150/sample; testing via HPLC‑MS or LC‑MS/MS post‑decarboxylation or similarly reliable method per Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080‑10‑01‑.05 and § 43‑27‑105(b) ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry/hemp/hemp-producer-faq-s.html?utm_source=openai)). COA must be accessible via QR code per HB 1503 ([wapp.capitol.tn.gov](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1503&ga=114&utm_source=openai)). Labs must follow ISO‑equivalent reliability; retention not specified in sources.

What to buy

Products with delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight; hemp crops with total THC ≤ 0.3%; HDC products with total THC ≤ 0.4 mg per container; non‑intoxicating cannabinoids naturally occurring in hemp (e.g., CBD, CBG) are allowed.

What to avoid

Intermediate HDC products >0.3% total THC and final HDC products >0.4 mg total THC per container (excluded from hemp under SB 1652) ([wapp.capitol.tn.gov](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1652&utm_source=openai)). Products containing synthetic cannabinoids or THCp are prohibited under Public Chapter 526 (2025) ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/abc/public-information-and-forms/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai)). Smoking hemp may be regulated under HB 1243 if enacted; status uncertain.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight per Tennessee Code § 43‑27‑103
• Total THC ≤ 0.3% for hemp crops under TDA testing rules
• HDC products with >0.4 mg total THC per container are excluded from “hemp” under SB 1652
• Licensing for HDC moved from TDA to TABC effective Jan 1, 2026 (legacy TDA licenses valid until June 30, 2026)
• QR code + batch number labeling required under HB 1503 (Pub. Ch. 698)
• Smoking hemp now regulated as HDCP under HB 1243 (if enacted)

Helpful resource: Learn more about Tennessee, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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