2021 Update:
No updates have been made to Cannabis/ hemp- CBD laws in Tennessee.
In addition to the federal hemp laws laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill, each state has its own state hemp laws. Before we dive in on Tennessee Hemp Laws and the legality of CBD in Tennessee, it is important to understand the different types of hemp and CBD products that these laws may be applied to.
There are many (somewhat confusing) terms for hemp oil:
- Isolate or THC-Free Hemp Oil has only CBD and all other plant compounds have been removed, THC is undetectable. Pure CBD Isolate can also be purchased in powder form.
- Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil has all plant compounds, including less than 0.3% THC.
- Broad-Spectrum Hemp Oil has undetectable THC, but contains other plant compounds.
- PCR (Phytocannabinoid-Rich) Hemp Oil with Zero-THC is a new marketing term for broad-spectrum hemp oil.
- CBG Hemp Oil is a hemp oil from a cannabigerol (CBG) rich hemp strain that has more CBG than is found in CBD Hemp Oil.
- Hemp Flower is the dried and harvested flower of the hemp plant. It can be used whole or extracted to make CBD isolate, Full-Spectrum CBD, or Broad-Spectrum CBD (PCR Hemp Oil).
FAQ: Hemp and CBD Legality in Tennessee
When it comes to buying CBD products, hemp flower, and hemp cigarettes here are some frequently asked questions that come up:
Is Full Spectrum CBD Legal in Tennessee?
That is a trick question because full-spectrum CBD is not the same as the so-called PCR Hemp Oil! This new marketing term is certainly introducing even more confusion around CBD products.
Tennessee is permissive of CBD products and does not appear to have any specific requirements for CBD products at this time.
Is It Legal to Ship PCR Hemp Oil to Tennessee?
It is legal to ship ALL types of hemp products with less than 0.3% THC to all US States according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Where to Buy Full Spectrum CBD Oil in Tennessee?
You can by CBD online or in stores in Tennessee.
Do you need a special license to purchase PCR Hemp Oil in Tennessee?
You don’t need a special license to purchase CBD hemp oil (all types) in Tennessee, only to grow, test, or sell products.
How Does Tennessee Legally Define Hemp?
'Industrial hemp' means the plants and plant parts of the genera cannabis that do not contain a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration more than three tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry mass basis, grown from seed certified by a certifying agency, as defined by § 43-10-1 03;
Growing and Selling Hemp in Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the largest producers of hemp in the US. The Tennessee hemp cultivation program is overseen by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Hemp growers must be licensed with the department in order to grow or process hemp.
Hemp and retail CBD products must comply with Tennessee hemp laws:
- Products must contain no more than 0.3% THC
- Products must come from a registered farm
- Products must be tested by a licensed laboratory
In addition to Tennessee state CBD laws and the 2018 Farm Bill hemp laws, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has additional requirements for CBD and hemp companies to meet.
Tennessee state hemp laws allow for CBD products such as:
- Hemp topicals
- Hemp concentrates and extracts (oils and tinctures)
- Industrial hemp for building or fiber materials
- Industrial hempseed (food product)
- Industrial hempseed oil (food product)
