Hemp Industry
Notice to Customers
On May 21, 2025, HB1376/SB1413 became law as Public Chapter 526. Following passage by the Tennessee General Assembly, hemp industry stakeholders have reached out to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) seeking clarification of the bill as it relates to hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) retailers and suppliers. Specifically, stakeholders are asking if HDC retailers and suppliers in Tennessee will continue to be licensed by TDA.
In alignment with Public Chapter 526, TDA will process applications and renew licenses for HDC product manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales pursuant to T.C.A. § 43-27-205 through at least December 31, 2025.
Therefore, TDA’s licensing requirements for HDC retailers and suppliers remain unchanged under T.C.A. § 43-27-205 and Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080-10-02-.03 and 0080-10-03-.03.
TDA emailed license renewal notices to all licensed HDC retailers and suppliers on May 16, 2025. New HDC retailers and suppliers may apply for licenses online. In accordance with TDA’s Hemp Program licensing cycle, HDC licenses issued on or after July 1, 2025, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2026.
TDA is committed to carrying on its work to process and renew HDC retailer and supplier applications and licenses while that responsibility remains with TDA.
TDA is not otherwise able to comment on the content, interpretation, or potential application of Public Chapter 526. That responsibility is assigned to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC). Therefore, ABC is the appropriate agency to comment on the implementation of the new law.
Click here to submit a change to your hemp application.
For More Information:
Tennessee Department of Agriculture | Hemp Section | PO Box 40627, Nashville, TN 37204
615-837-5070 | industrial.hemp@tn.gov
Role: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture coordinates the rules and regulations of hemp production through Tennessee's hemp program.
Contact Information: Email industrial.hemp@tn.gov or call 615-837-5070
Relevant Questions:
- Do I need a movement permit?
- Can I add a growing area?
- Can you tell me the rules?
Role: UT Extension helps Tennesseans to improve their quality of life and solve problems through the application of research and evidenced-based knowledge about agriculture and natural resources.
Contact Information: Call or email your local extension office. Full list of county offices is available here.
Relevant Questions:
- How do I plant this crop?
- Do you have soil amendment suggestions?
- How much water should these plants get?
Role: The Farm Service Agency supports farms and farming communities with programs including disaster relief, conservation programs, commodity price guarantee programs, and loan programs.
Contact Information:
Website: Farm Service Agency
Contact: Contact the Farm Service Agency
Local Offices: Find the Farm Service Agency Office Near You
Main Address: 1400 Independence Ave., SW, STOP 0506, Washington, DC 20250-0506
Forms: Farm Service Agency Forms
Government branch: Executive Department Sub-Office/Agency/Bureau
Relevant Questions:
- How do I get a farm number?
- What is an Acreage Report and when is it due?
- Are there programs available for hemp?
Hemp Producer Application (Hemp licenses are not renewals. There must be a new application submitted each year.)
A license must be obtained in order to grow hemp in Tennessee.
ALL LICENSES APPLIED FOR NOW WILL EXPIRE 6/30/2025
Click here to submit a hemp application.
Click here to submit a change to your hemp application,
On September 27, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture promulgated and filed amended rules for hemp producers. These amended rules became effective on December 26, 2024, and can be viewed at Permanent Rules for Hemp Producers.