Tennessee hemp industry leaders oppose House Bill 1376 regulations on natural products

The House Commerce Committee of the Tennessee House of Representatives convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1376, which addresses the regulation of hemp products in the state. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including business owners and regulatory officials, who expressed concerns about the bill's implications for the hemp industry.

The session began with a discussion on the current state of regulatory enforcement by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Revenue. One speaker emphasized the need for the state to enhance its efforts to implement existing regulations effectively, particularly regarding the sale of hemp products that have not undergone adequate testing. The speaker raised concerns about the potential transfer of regulatory responsibilities to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC), suggesting that this could complicate the existing regulatory framework and lead to unnecessary rule-making processes.

Devin Aracena, a business owner in the hemp industry, voiced opposition to the bill in its current form, arguing that it creates confusion for both producers and consumers. He highlighted a perceived inconsistency in the bill, which restricts certain hemp products while allowing others that are more processed and potent. Aracena urged the committee to focus on enforcing existing laws rather than introducing new restrictions that could destabilize the market and push consumers toward unregulated sources.

Maggie Mink, another small business owner, echoed these sentiments, stating that the financial burden imposed by the bill—specifically the requirement for separate locations for production and retail—would be detrimental to many businesses. She called for a more collaborative approach to regulation that prioritizes consumer safety while supporting local businesses.

The committee members engaged in a dialogue about the implications of the proposed regulations, with some expressing concerns about the potential for the bill to create disparities among businesses and complicate compliance with federal law. Questions were raised regarding the enforcement of existing regulations and the need for a stable regulatory environment to support the burgeoning hemp industry.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that stakeholders were advocating for a pause in the legislative process to allow for further data collection and stakeholder engagement. The consensus among many speakers was that the current regulatory framework, which has only recently been implemented, should be given time to take effect before introducing new restrictions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from committee members to consider the feedback provided by industry representatives and to explore ways to refine the proposed legislation to better serve the interests of Tennessee's hemp industry and its consumers.