Why it matters: A new bill introduced in Tennessee aims to regulate delta-8 THC products that are marketed as psychoactive, including vape carts and dabs.
What they are saying: Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill to regulate delta-8 THC products in a similar manner to cannabis products. The bill will ensure that delta-8 THC products and other hemp-derived products are inspected by the Department of Agriculture. The bill will ban the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products to people under the age of 21; add a 5% additional sales tax to any product sold at a store; and create a licensing, quality testing, regulatory, and enforcement process through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
The big picture: While medical and adult-use cannabis remains illegal in Tennessee, the new bill will regulate delta-8 THC products for adults 21 and over with testing and tax requirements.
What to watch: Companies will be subject to testing from a third-party lab and be required to put their product in child-resistant packaging.
Give your take: The new bill is a step forward in creating regulations for delta-8 THC products in Tennessee. By banning the sale of such products to people under 21 and ensuring inspection and testing, consumers can have more peace of mind when purchasing these products. However, it remains to be seen how effective the regulations will be in preventing dangerous residuals and contaminants from entering the market.
