KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (story courtesy of WVLT) – Hemp stores in Tennessee will be able to sell flower THC product, but only if they hold a legacy license that operates on the rules of years past.
It all stems from a back-and-forth between industry mutual benefit corporation the Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Association (TNHAA) and the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The two groups have come to an agreement, a news release from TNHAA said, for transitioning from 2023 rules to new, more strict regulations.
Tennessee’s first round of regulations for the hemp industry came in 2023, when the state put the Agriculture Department in charge of enforcing those regulations. A 2025 bill has transferred that power to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and establishes new rules that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
A major talking point for the industry was the sale of flower product — the plant substance users smoke. Under the new agreement, stores with licenses active before Jan. 1 will be able to continue to sell flower product until their licenses expire. Once the stores renew, they’ll need to follow the new regulations.
“This agreement provides critical clarity and stability for Tennessee’s hemp industry during this regulatory transition,” said TNHAA President Sam Oechslin. “Our members can continue operating under the existing regulatory framework they know and have invested in. We consider this outcome a significant win. TNHAA is effectively advocating for our industry, and we hope all those in the industry will consider joining.”
The agreement came after the TNHAA filed a petition asking for clarity on the new bill.
