NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The sale and regulation of one of the most popular hemp products for sale in Tennessee could be changing, and cannabis business owners are worried the rules might “gut” their businesses.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, hundreds of cannabis business owners, workers, growers and consumers went to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to give feedback on the new, proposed THC testing regulations.
“The people want the flower,” said Devin Aracena, the CEO of CANVAST Supply Co. “What’s at stake is all smokeable products in Tennessee, particularly THCA flower in its raw form.”
THCA is nonpsychoactive, but when it is exposed to heat, converts into delta-9 THC.
Under current laws, it is legal to sell hemp or cannabis in Tennessee as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
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THCA isn’t regulated as strictly as delta-9 THC and has become a top seller for hemp retailers across Tennessee.
“About 50% of the products we sell could become illegal if these rules do go into effect. We’re hoping that the rules will be rewritten,” said Consider it Flowers Co-Owner Kelsey Palmer. “What’s at stake is not the legality of these products for people to possess and have on the street. What’s at stake is the ability for retailers to sell it. So if these rules go into effect, it’s not going to take these products off the street.”