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Tennessee Judge Blocks New Rules Set to Ban Popular Hemp Products

A Nashville judge has temporarily blocked new state rules aimed at banning the sale of popular hemp products, providing a crucial reprieve for Tennessee’s booming hemp industry.

Davidson County Chancellor I’Ashea Myles issued the decision late Monday, halting the implementation of the new testing regulations, which were set to take effect this week. The injunction will remain in place until February 18, giving the court time to review the proposed rules and consider the ongoing legal challenges against them.

The Legal Battle Over Hemp Products

The new regulations, introduced by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, would have mandated product testing for THCA, a naturally occurring substance in hemp that converts to THC when heated. While THCA itself is legal in Tennessee, the concern is that the conversion process turns it into THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, which remains illegal in the state.

Tennessee hemp products Delta-8

The Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Association and the Tennessee Growers Coalition, two key industry groups, filed separate lawsuits to block the rules, arguing that they would unfairly restrict products that have been legally sold in the state since 2019. They claimed that the rules would lead to widespread store closures and significant job losses, representing an overreach by the state’s Department of Agriculture.

The hemp industry in Tennessee is a major economic player, generating an estimated $280 million to $560 million annually, according to industry surveys. The new regulations would have put this thriving sector at risk, as it would have been impossible for many retailers and producers to comply with the stringent new testing requirements on such short notice.

A Temporary Relief for Hemp Retailers

Alex Little, an attorney representing the Tennessee Growers Coalition, expressed relief over the court’s decision. He stated that the injunction was necessary to prevent “immediate harm” during the holiday season, allowing consumers to continue accessing hemp products without interruption.

“This injunction ensures consumers can continue accessing these hemp products,” Little said. “The court recognized the significant questions about the legality of the Department’s hemp flower and THCA ban, which jeopardized legitimate businesses and jobs statewide.”

In a statement from the Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Association, the group expressed gratitude for the temporary injunction, highlighting the importance of the ruling in protecting Tennessee’s hemp market. They too voiced concerns about the economic impact that the new rules would have had on businesses and workers in the state.

What’s Next for Tennessee’s Hemp Industry?

With the new rules blocked temporarily, the hemp industry in Tennessee has gained some breathing room. However, the legal challenges are far from over. Chancellor Myles’ decision allows for more time to assess the legality and implications of the rules before a final decision is made in February.

For now, hemp retailers and producers in Tennessee can continue their operations as they await further developments. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how hemp products are regulated in the state going forward.

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