Tennessee Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, not legal, information on Tennessee’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of November 1, 2026. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Tennessee, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Tennessee defines hemp consistent with federal law: Cannabis sativa containing not more than 0.3% Δ9‑THC on a dry weight basis (Tenn. Code Ann. § 43‑27‑101(3), effective April 4 2019) ([tncourts.gov](https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/Supreme%20Court%20Opinion%20-%20M2022-00899-SC-R11-CD.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Possession of cannabis with THC over 0.3% is prohibited, with narrow transport exceptions for hemp concentrate under § 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)). Public Chapter 526 (2025), effective January 1 2026, transfers regulation of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) from the Department of Agriculture to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), repeals the additional sales tax, defines HDCPs, and prohibits THCp and synthetic cannabinoids in any amount; it also defines total THC as Δ9‑THC plus THCA×0.877, with a 0.3% dry weight limit ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/notices/tobacco/25-11tob.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Legacy Department of Agriculture licenses remain valid until June 30 2026; thereafter, TABC licensing is required for suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers of HDCPs ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/abc/public-information-and-forms/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products are allowed only from TABC‑licensed suppliers once TABC regulation begins. Age verification (21+) is required at retail. Retailers must hold a TABC HDCP license after June 30 2026; legacy DA‑issued licenses are valid until then ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/abc/public-information-and-forms/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

Testing is required for total THC (Δ9‑THC + THCA×0.877), heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, microbials, and other contaminants. Methods must be similarly reliable to post‑decarboxylation (e.g., LC‑MS/MS) per Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080‑10‑01‑.02(h) and .05; TDA conducts sampling/testing at $150 per sample within 30 days of harvest ([comptroller.aem.extglb.tn.gov](https://comptroller.aem.extglb.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry/hemp/hemp-producer-faq-s.html?utm_source=openai)). Products must include a QR code linking to the COA ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/abc/public-information-and-forms/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Products containing hemp‑derived cannabinoids (excluding Δ9‑THC over 0.3%, THCp, synthetic cannabinoids) with total THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight, including edibles, topicals, beverages, tinctures, provided they are from licensed suppliers and properly tested.

What to avoid

Avoid any product with total THC over 0.3% dry weight, any containing THCp or synthetic cannabinoids, and unlicensed or untested products. Smokable hemp flower or THCA‑rich flower may be noncompliant if total THC exceeds 0.3% or lacks proper testing/licensing.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Total THC (Δ9‑THC + THCA×0.877) must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (Tenn. Code Ann. § 43‑27‑101 et seq.)
• Public Chapter 526 (2025) shifts hemp‑derived cannabinoid regulation to TABC effective Jan 1 2026
• THCp and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited in any amount under PC 526
• Legacy Department of Agriculture licenses remain valid until June 30 2026
• TABC license required for suppliers, wholesalers, retailers of HDCPs after Jan 1 2026
• Products must include QR‑linked COA and pass testing for THC, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, microbials

Helpful resource: Learn more about Tennessee, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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