NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Kentucky-based business is taking a stand against a proposed Tennessee Senate bill that could significantly affect the availability of THCA products in the state. The bill, known as SB-1434, aims to regulate hemp products like gummies and flowers, and could prevent out-of-state companies from shipping these products to Tennessee consumers.
The bill has already passed in the Tennessee House and is expected to be heard by the Senate this week. If enacted, it would classify any hemp product with a concentration of THCA over 0.3% as illegal, aligning with the federal threshold for THC levels in hemp. The proposed regulations would impact businesses like Cornbread Hemp, a Kentucky-based company that specializes in THCA products.
Jim Higdon, co-founder and chief communications officer of Cornbread Hemp, expressed concern that the bill would hurt his business, which serves over 10,000 customers in Tennessee. Higdon argued that the bill could lead to a dramatic loss of customers and significantly damage the company’s revenue. He further warned that the legislation could force the company into a costly legal battle, as they would challenge the law on the grounds that it restricts interstate commerce and violates federal law.
“We’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars to fight this in court,” Higdon said. “These products are federally legal, and this bill is unfair to our customers in Tennessee.”
The bill’s provisions would also affect local shops like The Greenhouse in Nashville, which could face economic hardship if the bill passes. John Newman, the owner of The Greenhouse, explained that the regulation of THCA products would have a “substantial” impact on their business, especially considering the significant number of Tennessee customers who rely on these products.
“We’ve positioned ourselves in a good place to ride things out as long as we can,” Newman said. “But this bill could devastate local businesses and prevent customers from accessing products they rely on for relief.”
Rep. Chris Todd (R-Madison County), a sponsor of the bill, defended the legislation, emphasizing that it aligns with federal standards for THC levels in hemp. He argued that businesses offering products with THC concentrations higher than the federal limit are operating illegally, even if their products are marketed as hemp-derived.
“Total THC less than 0.3% is the standard,” Todd said. “These businesses have gambled on a product that is federally illegal, and this bill will help address that.”
Despite Todd’s assurances, opponents of the bill argue that the regulation would create more harm than good. Higdon pointed out that the products his company sells are third-party lab tested for safety and quality. He also emphasized that their products are carefully regulated to ensure they do not end up in the hands of minors, in line with best practices for responsible consumption.
“These products are safe, and they offer relief to people who need them,” Higdon said. “By passing this bill, the legislature is putting consumers at risk by pushing them toward unregulated products from underground sources.”
In response to the bill’s pending vote in the Senate, businesses like The Greenhouse are organizing protests at the state capital to voice their opposition. The protests are scheduled to coincide with the Senate hearing on the bill, which is expected to take place later this week.
If the bill is passed, it is slated to take effect on January 1 of next year. As the debate continues, business owners and consumers alike are left grappling with the potential consequences of the new regulation, which could reshape the hemp industry in Tennessee.
At the time of publication, News 2 reached out to lawmakers in both the House and Senate for comment but had not received a response.
