Hemp Industry
Notice to Customers
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is committed to providing clarity and transparency as regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) products transitions from TDA to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Under Public Chapter 526, regulatory oversight of HDC products will transfer from TDA to TABC January 1, 2026.
TDA understands that this impending change has raised questions among businesses and stakeholders regarding applicable testing and other regulatory requirements during the interim. At the same time, TDA’s rules governing manufacture, labeling, testing, inspection, recordkeeping, and sale of HDC products—which would otherwise remain in effect through the end of 2025—are currently temporarily enjoined by order of the Davidson County Chancery Court.
Due to the variety and complexity of HDC products available in the marketplace, the Court’s injunction for some—but not all—of the testing requirements and for some—but not all—of the products, cannot be clearly upheld for the public or for industry. Therefore, TDA has been unable to use the rules as a clear standard. The effect has been confusion in the marketplace and difficulty for industry in determining which products fall under TDA’s current authority and what testing standards, if any, are applicable now and into the future.
Rather than maintaining these currently unenforceable rules, TDA is repealing its rules to alleviate confusion, restore clarity for consumers and industry, and return the marketplace to the true, pre-injunction status quo. This approach aligns with the Court’s aim in issuing the temporary injunction, while also honoring the TABC’s imminent role in drafting and enforcing new regulations.
Importantly, the repeal will not include the portions of the rules specifying scope and licensing of HDC retailers and suppliers in Tennessee. In accordance with Public Chapter 526, TDA will continue to process and issue licenses for HDC retailers and suppliers 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.
Notice of the repeal and its effective date are provided on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
TDA is proud of the work that has gone into building a regulatory foundation for this industry and is encouraged that many of the key regulatory principles originally adopted by TDA have been carried forward in the new statute for regulation of the industry. We look forward to a smooth transition to TABC and remain committed to supporting a framework that provides clarity, consistency, and consumer confidence.
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.