NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee House recently passed a bill that would further regulate the hemp industry and ban certain products from being sold in the Volunteer State.

On Thursday, the House passed HB 1376, introduced by Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) in early February, which aims to overhaul the regulation and sale of hemp-derived products in the state.

The bill would also make the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) the regulator for hemp sales, relieving the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The House passed several amendments that would change the rules regarding the sale, packaging and more.

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One of the amendments clarifies that THCA is a hemp-derived cannabinoid and THCP is not. THCA is a precursor to THC.

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency defines THCA as “a nonintoxicating cannabinoid that is converted to intoxicating Delta-9 THC through the process of decarboxylation (heating up to a critical temperature between 200-290 degrees Fahrenheit).”

The bill states that anything with a concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis of THCA will not be able to be sold.

Another amendment passed would remove THCA from the list of cannabinoids that are hemp-derived if it contains a concentration greater than three-tenths of 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

“This amendment clarifies that the 0.3% is the limit for delta-9 THC content for hemp-derived cannabinoids,” the bill states.

“This amendment revises this bill’s prohibition against manufacturing, producing, or selling hemp, harvested hemp, hemp plant parts, HDCPs, or another product that contains delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in a concentration of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Under this amendment, the prohibition will apply for such products that have a total THC content, or a total theoretical THC content, in excess of 0.3% on a dry weight basis.”

In its latest venture in the Senate, SB 1413 was recommended for passage and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee. It was introduced by Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville).

 The bill aims to make the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) the regulator for hemp sales in Tennessee.  Read More  

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