Tennessee legislators have introduced bicameral legislation that would criminalize producing, selling, and possessing hemp-derived products containing tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) and tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp).
House Bill 1148, sponsored by State Representative Ed Butler (R) and six Republican cosponsors, was filed alongside its companion measure, Senate Bill 1236, introduced by Senator Ferrell Haile (R).
The legislation removes THCa and THCp from the list of authorized hemp-derived cannabinoids under Tennessee law. It also creates a Class A misdemeanor for individuals who knowingly manufacture, sell, or distribute products containing substances not on the state’s approved list of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Additionally, consumers who knowingly purchase, possess, or accept such products would face the same misdemeanor charge.
Another notable aspect of the bill is the regulation of testing methodologies for determining total THC content. It establishes a formula for measuring THC levels by including THCa conversion through chromatographic techniques.
If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately upon becoming law, citing public welfare concerns.
The legislation’s introduction comes soon after multiple bills were filed in both the House and Senate to that would legalize recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older, including the “Pot for Potholes Act”.
