Hemp

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.

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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture established a licensing program on July 1, 2024 for retailers and suppliers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.  

On September 27, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture promulgated and filed permanent rules for hemp producers and retailers and suppliers of hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) products.  These permanent rules became effective on December 26, 2024, and can be viewed at Permanent Rules for Hemp Producers and HDC Suppliers/Retailers.