Tennessee, North Carolina, Rhode Island Advance New Hemp Regulations Impacting Industry

Several states are moving to impose stricter regulations on hemp-derived products, particularly those containing THC, to address safety concerns and prevent access by minors. Tennessee recently passed legislation transferring hemp regulation from its Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, introducing dosage limits on THC edibles and beverages and banning smokable hemp with THCA, which many in the industry believe will severely damage the market and drive consumers toward illegal products. In Rhode Island, lawmakers are seeking recommendations from the Cannabis Control Commission on regulating hemp-derived THC beverages, aiming to establish dosage limits and packaging standards to protect children, although the sale of low-level delta-9 THC drinks was recently legalized. North Carolina is considering a bill to ban hemp product sales to those under 21 and restrict their use on school grounds, reflecting growing concerns about unregulated availability and safety. Industry representatives warn that these regulatory changes could threaten business viability and push consumers toward unregulated black market sources, while lawmakers emphasize the need for public safety and clear oversight in what they describe as a currently unregulated environment. The evolving regulatory landscape highlights ongoing tensions between protecting public health and supporting the burgeoning hemp industry.