In a significant week for cannabis regulation, Tennessee and Texas moved forward with new laws that could reshape the landscape for producers and consumers in both states.
Tennessee Targets Hemp with New Legislation. On May 22, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed House Bill 1376, a law that redefines the state’s hemp industry and imposes strict regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoid products. This law, effective in 2026, bans online sales of these products and restricts retail sales to age-restricted or ABC-licensed stores. Moreover, it transfers regulatory oversight from the Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Critics, including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the Tennessee Growers Coalition, argue that the law favors the alcoholic beverage industry over farmers and small businesses, describing it as a power grab disguised as a public health measure.
The most contentious aspect of this legislation is its targeting of THCA, a nonintoxicating compound that turns into THC when heated. While federal law recognizes hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, it does not specifically address THCA in finished products. Tennessee lawmakers now seek to clarify this gray area, which legal experts say undermines federal protections for hemp and reclassifies legal products as controlled substances. Lawmakers like Sen. Kerry Roberts and Sen. Page Walley have expressed concerns about changing regulations midstream, highlighting the potential harm to farmers who have complied with existing laws.
Texas Legislature Approves Delta-8 Ban. In Texas, the legislature passed Senate Bill 3, which would ban all intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 and delta-10 THC. The bill, which is now awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s approval, imposes felony penalties for manufacturing or selling products containing intoxicating cannabinoids. This move effectively threatens the multibillion-dollar industry that has emerged since hemp legalization in 2019.
Supporters of the bill argue it closes loopholes that could endanger consumers, while critics contend it is a regressive move that penalizes users, particularly veterans who depend on hemp-derived THC. Industry leaders, including Lukas Gilkey from Hometown Hero, are preparing for a legal challenge, warning that the ban could push consumers toward the illicit market and jeopardize tens of thousands of jobs in the state.
Last Prisoner Project Receives Global Award. In a positive development, the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) received recognition at CannaPortugal 2025, Portugal’s largest international cannabis expo held on May 16-17. LPP’s Managing Director Mary Bailey delivered a keynote address focusing on the impacts of cannabis prohibition and accepted a Global Cannabis Award on behalf of the organization for its efforts in advocating for those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. The award was presented by renowned activist Mila Jansen, known as “The Hash Queen.” Bailey also participated in a panel discussing cannabis’s influence on justice, education, and media, emphasizing the importance of social equity in policy change.
Botani Launches Eco-Friendly Tea Leaf Wrappers. In product innovation, Botani, a cannabis-focused brand, introduced a new line of tea leaf-based wrappers aimed at enhancing the smoking experience while providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hemp wrappers. These wrappers are made from real tea leaves and are designed for smooth burning and rich flavor. Botani’s new product caters to various formats, including cones, blunts, and cannagars, and allows for customization of flavor profiles and branding. According to Managing Director Alex Boone, this launch represents a strategic expansion of their product portfolio, merging flower-based materials with artisanal craftsmanship.
Overall, recent developments in Tennessee and Texas reflect ongoing tensions in cannabis regulation, while organizations like the Last Prisoner Project highlight the continued advocacy for justice in the cannabis space. As these states implement stricter laws, the future of cannabis products and businesses remains uncertain.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech