INDUSTRY UPDATES

April 14, 2026

State Hemp Policy Update: Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas

Take Action Now: Use our State Action Center to contact lawmakers and protect the future of hemp in your state.

As state lawmakers across the country are considering legislation affecting hemp-derived products. Below is a state-by-state summary of key bills we are supporting, opposing, or monitoring, along with opportunities to engage where action is needed. Be sure to check back next week for updates on these bills and others, and as always, please share any bills you are hearing about across the states that aren’t mentioned here.

Kentucky

SB 223 (Support)
Kentucky lawmakers have introduced two different approaches to regulating hemp-derived products, and yesterday, lawmakers returned to Frankfort for the final days of the legislative session, with one days remaining to advance legislation before adjournment, and stakeholders continue to pursue potential pathways for passage.
 
As we have been reporting, SB 223 would create lawful retail and distribution opportunities for cannabis-infused beverages by integrating these products into the state’s existing alcohol regulatory framework.
The bill would:

  • Authorize supplemental licenses allowing qualified retailers, including hemp retail establishments, to sell cannabis-infused beverages
  • Establish a clear regulatory pathway under the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
  • Prohibit open containers of THC beverages in motor vehicles, an important safeguard for responsible regulation

HB 9 (Support if Amended)
A separate measure, HB 9, would revise taxation and licensing structures for hemp-derived beverages. As currently discussed, the bill includes duplicative per-milligram taxation and higher licensing fees than comparable alcohol licenses. Targeted amendments would be needed to ensure parity and a workable framework for hemp beverage businesses.
Despite ongoing uncertainty, the need for a clear and workable regulatory pathway for hemp-derived beverages remains. As neighboring states adopt more restrictive policies, Kentucky continues to be a key market for hemp businesses.

Kentucky Residents – Stay Engaged: Use this form to continue engaging with lawmakers and sharing the importance of establishing a fair, workable framework for hemp-derived products in Kentucky.

Kentucky Action Center

Oklahoma

SB 3 (Monitor)
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering SB 3, which may adopt a federal-style total THC limit based on a 0.4 mg per-container standard. While the bill remains in early stages, it could have significant implications for lawful hemp products depending on how it is structured and implemented.

At this stage, the bill has a long procedural path ahead, and broader hemp policy changes may be limited this session.

Oklahoma Residents – Take Action: Use the button below to send a message to lawmakers in the state, urging them not to adopt this harmful language.

Oklahoma Action Center

Tennessee

SB 1761 / HB 1503 (Monitor)
Tennessee legislation (SB 1761 / HB 1503), as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1 (SA0696), has been transmitted to the Governor for consideration.

The legislation makes targeted revisions to the state’s existing hemp-derived cannabinoid product framework, including updates to the definition of “supplier,” clarification of certain licensing and background check requirements, adjustments to labeling standards, and modifications to how certificates of analysis are made accessible through QR codes. The bill also removes certain packaging requirements currently in place.

No action requested at this time. We will continue monitoring.

Texas

Consumable Hemp Rules (TRO)
As we previously reported,  Texas has adopted major new consumable hemp rules through DSHS, with the rules filed on March 2 and taking effect on March 31, 2026. The adopted rules raise licensing fees for manufacturers to $10,000 per facility and retailer registration fees to $5,000 per location, add THCA into the total-THC framework, and impose expanded testing, packaging, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements. The new labeling rules also require a conspicuously marked URL linking directly to a certificate of analysis for the product or each hemp-derived ingredient, and that link must reach the required COA in three or fewer steps.
 
However, a Temporary Restraining Order has been issued, maintaining delta-9 THC as the compliance standard at this time. A Temporary Injunction hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
 
US Hemp Roundtable supports clear rules that protect minors and improve consumer transparency. At the same time, steep fee increases and overly burdensome regulatory requirements can function as market exclusion measures for small businesses rather than reasonable public-health safeguards.

No action requested at this time. We will continue monitoring.

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

State Action Center

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