Tennessee’s Hemp Industry Is Under Attack – New Bills & New Problems

At Snapdragon Cannabis Co., we’re passionate about the power of hemp to drive economic growth, support local jobs, and provide consumers with safe, regulated products. Today, we’re sounding the alarm: Tennessee lawmakers are considering two bills—SB1236/HB1148 and SB1413/HB1376—that, if passed, would dismantle our state-regulated hemp-derived cannabinoid industry overnight.

A Bold, Unnecessary Move

Right now, these bills threaten to erase everything that has made Tennessee a leader in the hemp market. For nearly a year, Tennessee has seen success through a legal, regulated market that:

• Ensures consumer safety: Hemp products are tested, tracked, and taxed.
• Generates critical revenue: A 6% sales tax, implemented in July 2023, has already brought in over $16 million for the state.

This isn’t just an attack on a niche industry—it’s a threat to the economic well-being of our entire state.

What’s at Stake? Over $16 Million in Tax Revenue

The numbers speak for themselves:

• July 2023 – June 2024: $11,302,772.73 collected
• July 2024 – December 2024: $4,477,453.58 collected

These figures come directly from the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s official reports. This revenue isn’t abstract—it fuels critical state programs that benefit communities across Tennessee. Should these bills pass, not only would this booming, regulated industry vanish, but so would a key source of funding for local services and infrastructure.

Industry Insight: Why This Law Is Dangerous

Pushing Consumers to Unregulated Markets

By eliminating legal hemp products, the proposed bills would force consumers to turn to the black market or out-of-state retailers. Without proper testing and regulation, safety becomes a major concern, leaving Tennesseans exposed to potentially harmful products.

Crushing Tennessee Businesses

Local retailers, processors, and farmers are the backbone of Tennessee’s hemp industry. Banning these products means:

• Loss of jobs: Thousands of Tennesseans rely on this industry for their livelihoods.
• Economic fallout: Local investment and innovation would plummet.
• Market disruption: The ripple effect could jeopardize related industries and communities that depend on hemp.

A Self-Inflicted Financial Wound

Lawmakers are quick to point to budget-balancing as a reason for these bills. Yet, eliminating a proven multi-million-dollar revenue stream is not a solution—it’s a misstep that could cost the state dearly in lost revenue and economic vitality.

What You Can Do Right Now

The clock is ticking, and action is needed immediately. Here’s how you can help stop this potentially devastating move:

✅ Contact Your Legislators:
Flood your local lawmakers with calls and emails before Monday morning. Visit the TNHAA Action Center for direct contact information, and make sure your voice is heard.

✅ Spread the Word:
Share this message on social media, forward it to your friends and family, and encourage others to join the fight. Every voice counts in this critical debate.

✅ Use the QR Code:
Next time you visit your local store, look out for the QR codes at registers. A quick scan lets you instantly send an email to your representatives—making advocacy as easy as a tap on your smartphone.

We Can Stop This, But Only If We Act Now

Tennessee’s hemp industry is more than a business—it’s a vital economic engine that supports thousands of jobs, brings in millions in tax revenue, and ensures that consumers have access to safe, regulated products. If these bills pass, everything that we’ve built over the past year could vanish overnight.

At Snapdragon Cannabis Co., we believe in the power of community and proactive change. We’re committed to fighting for a future where Tennessee’s hemp industry thrives—not only for the benefit of our businesses and workers but for the overall health of our state.

Don’t let lawmakers kill this industry and send revenue out of Tennessee. Take action now, and make your voice heard. Together, we can preserve the progress we’ve made and continue to drive positive change for our communities.