Tennessee Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on Tennessee hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of June 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Tennessee, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Tennessee defines hemp as Cannabis sativa containing no more than 0.3% delta‑9 THC on a dry‑weight basis, per T.C.A. § 43‑27‑202 (definitions added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 423, eff. 7/1/2023) ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-43/chapter-27/part-2/section-43-27-202/?utm_source=openai)). In 2023, SB 378 (effective July 1 2023) created a category of “intoxicating hemp products”—those with more than 0.5 mg total THC per package—subject to adult‑only sales (21+), child‑resistant packaging, COA, and limits of 100 mg total THC per package and 50 mg per serving ([hempdata.io](https://hempdata.io/states/tennessee?utm_source=openai)). On May 21 2025, HB 1376/SB 1413 became Public Chapter 526, effective January 1 2026, transferring regulatory authority from TDA to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Department of Revenue, and banning THCa and synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC) starting July 1 2026 ([revenue.support.tn.gov](https://revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/en-us/articles/360058231932-SUT-113-Hemp-Legal-Implications-of-Growing-Hemp-in-Tennessee?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products are allowed only from licensed suppliers. After January 1 2026, all sales must be through TABC‑licensed brick‑and‑mortar retailers; online or direct‑to‑consumer shipping is prohibited under HB 1376 ([atlrx.com](https://www.atlrx.com/is-delta-8-thc-legal-in-tennessee/?utm_source=openai)). Age verification (21+) is required at point of sale.

Testing & COA guidance

Lab testing is required: COA must include delta‑9 THC % (dry weight), total THC (delta‑9 + 0.877×THCa), full cannabinoid profile, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological results (E. coli, Salmonella, yeast/mold) ([hempdata.io](https://hempdata.io/states/tennessee?utm_source=openai)). Independent, accredited third‑party labs must perform testing; COA must be available at retail (physically or via QR code) ([hempdata.io](https://hempdata.io/states/tennessee?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Hemp flower, topicals, isolates, and non‑intoxicating products (≤ 0.3% Δ9‑THC) remain legal. Intoxicating hemp products compliant with SB 378 (≤ 100 mg total THC per package, ≤ 50 mg per serving, 21+ sales, child‑resistant packaging, COA) are allowed until July 1 2026 under TDA legacy licenses.

What to avoid

After July 1 2026, THCa products, delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC, THCp, and other synthetic cannabinoids are banned. Non‑compliant intoxicating hemp products (exceeding THC limits or lacking packaging/COA) are prohibited. Online sales are banned.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight for hemp cultivation (T.C.A. § 43‑27‑202)
• Intoxicating hemp products (> 0.5 mg total THC per package) require 21+ sales, child‑resistant packaging, COA, and retailer registration (SB 378, effective July 1 2023)
• Public Chapter 526 (HB 1376/SB 1413, effective Jan 1 2026) transfers regulation to TABC and bans THCa and synthetic cannabinoids starting July 1 2026
• Legacy TDA licenses valid until June 30 2026; thereafter TABC licensing required
• Smokable hemp flower ≤ 0.3% Δ9‑THC remains legal under current law

Helpful resource: Learn more about Tennessee, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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