Alec

Hemp Advocates Urge Action as New Tennessee Regulations Threaten Industry

October 11, 2024

Proposed Changes Could Ban Natural Hemp Products, Impacting Local Farmers and Businesses

Chattanooga, TN – October 2024 Tennessee’s hemp industry is facing a serious challenge with proposed regulations that may ban natural hemp flowers and concentrates, including THCA-rich products. If passed, these changes could undo the progress made in establishing a legal hemp market that supports local businesses and offers safer alternatives to alcohol and other substances.

Tennessee stands out as the only state to tax hemp-derived THC products, generating $50 million in revenue in the first half of 2024. The thriving hemp industry has created jobs and boosted the state’s economy, rivaling even states with legalized recreational cannabis.

“This progress has been a game-changer for Tennessee’s cannabis market,” said Josh Manning, a spokesperson for the hemp industry and Tennessee hemp business owner. “It offers safe, legal alternatives to alcohol, eliminates the black market, and ensures product safety.”

However, industry advocates warn that banning hemp flower and concentrates would harm local farmers and small businesses while pushing consumers back to the unregulated and dangerous black market. Manning adds, “This isn’t just about losing products on shelves—it’s about risking the livelihoods of farmers and small businesses who have invested in building a safe, sustainable hemp market.”

“It’s disheartening to see this progress threatened by outdated attitudes still clinging to the ‘war on drugs’ mentality,” said Manning. “These views are holding Tennessee back from being truly progressive and reaping the benefits hemp brings to the economy, public health, and safety.”

Key Concerns of Tennessee’s hemp industry:

Economic Success: Tennessee’s hemp industry has thrived, generating $50 million in early 2024, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Consumer Safety: Regulating hemp products has provided safe, consistent access to legal cannabis alternatives, keeping harmful, unregulated products off the streets.

Black Market Elimination: The current system has significantly reduced illegal sales, but a rollback could lead to a resurgence in unsafe black-market products.

With 38 states regulating THC, Tennessee’s unique approach to taxing hemp products has positioned it as a leader in cannabis alternatives. Manning urges state officials to continue embracing this progress rather than regressing: “There’s no reason to block these products now, except for a reluctance to move past outdated views.”

We’ve come too far to let old mindsets stall Tennessee’s progress. Together, we can protect the future of hemp and keep leading the way in safe, legal cannabis alternatives.”

About Snapdragon Hemp:

Founded in 2016 by CEO Josh Manning, Snapdragon Hemp focuses on grassroots activism and delivering high-quality, hemp-derived products, including CBD and THC oils, drinks, edibles, topicals, flower, and concentrates. Committed to purity, potency, and transparency, Snapdragon Hemp is dedicated to educating customers and making natural wellness accessible to all.

How to Contact Your Tennessee Lawmakers

Step 1: Find Your State Representatives

  1. Go to the Tennessee General Assembly website: Find My Legislator
  1. Enter your address in the search bar, and it will show you your State Senator and State House Representative.

Step 2: Write an Email to Your Representatives.

Once you have your representatives’ names, click on their profile. This will show their contact information, including email addresses. Use the template below to send them an email or craft your own message.

Step 3: Email Governor Bill Lee and Lt. Governor Randy Mcnally

Follow the link above to be directed to Share My Opinion with The Governor’s Office, and use the template below to fill out your notice.

Email Template:

Subject: Protect Tennessee’s Hemp Industry – Oppose Proposed Ban on Natural Hemp Products

Dear [Representative’s Name/Governor Lee/Lt. Governor McNally], I am writing to express my concern about the proposed regulations that would ban the sale and production of natural hemp flower and concentrates, including THCa-rich hemp products. These changes would have devastating consequences for local farmers, small businesses, and consumers in Tennessee who rely on safe, legal access to these products. Tennessee has been a leader in hemp legislation, generating over $50 million in tax revenue in the first half of 2024 alone. This progress has created jobs, ensured product safety, and reduced black market activity. Reversing this progress now would hurt our state’s economy and public health. I urge you to oppose these harmful regulations and protect the future of Tennessee’s thriving hemp industry. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]

Step 4: Spread the Word
Share this information with friends, family, and on social media. Use the hashtag #SaveTHCTN to help build momentum and let others know how they can make a difference. The more people who contact their representatives, the stronger our message will be!

2 Comments on “Hemp Advocates Urge Action as New Tennessee Regulations Threaten Industry”

  • jones.devan.r

    says:

    You can’t email Gov. Lee or Lt. Gov. McNally directly. Both of those email addresses failed.

    Gov. Lee’s directs you to a contact form, but the text box is tiny and doesn’t let you type much.

    • Alec

      says:

      Hey, Devan!

      I have fixed the blog post on Step 3 to redirect to the contact page of Governor Lee, thank you for letting me know that wasn’t working I appreciate you!

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