Hemp Bill Updates in Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee

This week, we’re spotlighting four critical state campaigns that could drastically impact the hemp industry.

• In Arkansas, HB 1722 proposes a three-tier distribution system for hemp products and enforces a 0.3% THC limit, potentially threatening direct-to-consumer sales.
• In Florida, SB 438 seeks to regulate hemp product handling and testing, including banning the direct-to-consumer sale of hemp beverages.
• In Mississippi, HB 1502 legalizes consumable hemp products but restricts hemp beverages to retail sales, limits their THC content, and may hinder e-commerce.
• Lastly, Tennessee’s HB 1376 would regulate hemp through the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and impose severe limits on THC levels while banning direct-to-consumer sales of hemp products.

We need your help to protect the hemp industry in these states. If you live or own a business in any of these states, please use our State Action Center to urge lawmakers to oppose these bills.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, HB 1722 would create a three-tier distribution system for hemp products and sets the limit of total THC concentration in hemp-derived products at 0.3%.  This bill was introduced this week.  We are deeply concerned about the potential impact on direct-to-consumer sales and possible bans of popular hemp products.

If you live or own a business in Arkansas, please use our State Action Center to email your legislators in opposition of HB 1722.

Florida

In Florida, SB 438 regulates the acquisition, handling, and testing of hemp products.  Among its provisions, this legislation outlaws the direct-to-consumer sale of hemp beverages. The bill is scheduled for its first committee hearing in the coming week.

If you live or own a business in Florida, please use our State Action Center to email your legislator in opposition of SB 438. 

Mississippi

As previously reported, in Mississippi, HB 1502 legalizes consumable hemp products with a limit of 0.3% THC. However, while other consumable products could be sold at retail, hemp beverages would be regulated like alcohol, possibly restricting e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales. Beverages would be limited to 5mg of THC per container and could only be sold in a 12-ounce container.  The bill moved through the Mississippi Senate this week and is headed to Conference Committee.

If you live or own a business in Mississippi, please use our State Action Center to email your legislator in opposition of HB 1502. 

Tennessee

In Tennessee, HB1376 proposes that the hemp industry be regulated by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and limits the level of Delta-9 permitted in a product to 0.1%.  Direct-to-consumer sales of hemp products, including beverages, is also prohibited. The bill passed through committee this week.

If you live or own a business in Tennessee, please use our State Action Center to email your legislator in opposition of HB 1376. 

Visit our State Action Center to see active campaigns across the country!

Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!

• 
  Ohio Legislature Considering Harmful Hemp Restrictions After Governor’s Ban Attempt. Act Now!
  The Ohio legislature is reacting quickly to Governor DeWine’s efforts to ban hemp products. While we have been successful thus far in court against his Executive Order, the General Assembly …
• 
  Court Temporarily Blocks Ohio Governor’s Hemp Ban
  We’re pleased to share that Judge Carl Aveni has granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order banning the sale of “intoxicating hemp” products in Ohio. …
• 
  Gov. DeWine(OH) Issues Executive Order Banning Intoxicating Hemp Products
  Yesterday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order banning the sale of “intoxicating hemp” products, effective next Tuesday, October 14th. Today, the Ohio Department of Agriculture issued emergency regulations to implement the order, making clear that DeWine is targeting …