PAGE UPDATED: October 1, 2024

Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Regulations Are Now In Effect In Tennessee

On July 1, rules to regulate the safety of hemp-derived cannabinoids went into effect in Tennessee.

From now until October 1, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is focusing on educating the industry on these new requirements, however the rules are in effect.

Active enforcement of these rules will begin on October 1. Testing requirements are in effect January 1.

What does this mean for testing of hemp-derived cannabinoid products sold in Tennessee? Mostly, it means businesses should start preparing their testing program now for the January 1 enforcement date.

UPDATE: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently conducted a webinar on the new regulations. You can view that here.

UPDATE: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has published an FAQ based on questions submitted during the recent webinar. You can view that information here.

UPDATE: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has published the Final Rules for regulations of hemp-derived cannabinoids. You may find that document here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We’re fielding a lot of calls with questions about how the new rules speak to laboratory testing requirements.

There’s still more information to be released, and we will keep this page updated in real-time as things develop.

  • Yes. While the application for laboratory registration has not yet been published, we will register as soon as its available.

    We expect to know more specifics about laboratory testing requirements once the state provides more guidance in the registration process, and we will update this page with those details as soon as we have them.

  • Hemp-derived cannabinoids sold in Tennessee require full panel safety testing.

  • 0080-10-02-.02 (2) (b): "'Batch'...means an individual production lot of manufactured product."

  • If your business makes products that are distributed in Tennessee, then they must comply with these rules.

  • Full Panel safety panels include

    • Cannabinoid potency

    • Pesticides screening

    • Solvents screening

    • Mycotoxins screening

    • Microbials screening

    • Heavy metals screening

  • The exact analyte requirements and action limits are published on pages 7-9 of the Tennessee Emergency Hemp Rules found here.

  • We are already experiencing a spike in demand for Full Panel testing in Tennessee as businesses prepare for the enforcement of these rules.

    In the run-up to January 1, we anticipate longer turnaround times than usual.

    As a safe basis for your production planning, expect about a two-week turnaround for a Full Panel report. This is likely to fluctuate to some degree in the weeks and months to come. Of course, we will do everything we can to deliver your reports faster if possible.

  • Typically, 25 grams or 25mL is adequate to complete the full package of Tennessee required tests. However, in some instances its advisable to send larger samples of gummy material and beverages.

Lab questions? Get in touch.

We’ll be happy to answer any further questions that we can, and talk you through your testing program. Fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch shortly.