Hemp-derived cannabinoids have been the source of controversy in many states, especially those that have psychoactive properties like delta 9. Although the federal government legalized the plant, hemp compounds aren’t legal from sea to shining sea. Many states have passed bills heavily restricting or banning cannabinoids derived from hemp. But is the Volunteer State one these impeders, or is delta 9 legal in Tennessee?
Is Delta 9 Legal in Tennessee?
In order to better understand Tennessee’s hemp-derived compound legislation, let’s take a step back and explore the Farm Bill, or the piece of federal legislation that made hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 9 a possible reality in all states in the nation.
Also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act, the Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp derivatives at the federal level. Signed under Donald Trump in 2018, the bill created a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, despite their striking scientific similarity. Under the bill, hemp is defined as cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis, while cannabis plants surpassing that THC threshold became classified as marijuana. Although the Farm Bill legalized hemp, it left marijuana’s legality—or lack thereof—untouched.
But now, let’s get back to the Volunteer State. Is delta 9 legal in Tennessee?
The answer is yes! Following the passing of the Farm Bill, Tennessee passed Senate Bill 357, effectively removing hemp from the state’s definition of marijuana and descheduling all hemp-derived compounds from its own list of controlled substances. This means that all hemp-derived compounds, including delta 9, are considered legal in the Volunteer State!
That said, hemp-derived compounds are new to consumers and lawmakers alike, so the legal landscape surrounding these cannabinoids is constantly changing. Although delta 9 is legal in Tennessee at this time, that is subject to change at any time, so the importance of staying up to date with hemp legislation cannot be understated.
Shipping Delta 9 Products to & from Tennessee
Delta 9 products are legal in the state of Tennessee, so shipping delta 9 products to the state is also legal. This is great news for those looking to score high-quality and safe D9. Although the state does certainly have its own smoke shops and vape shops stocked with the compound, finding delta 9 online is the safest and most effective way to consume the compound. Let's look at some reasons why.
Since the FDA does not regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids, consumers should be informed about which companies manufacture them. You can find reputable companies no matter where you are in the state by shopping online. Although you can likely find delta 9 anywhere across the Volunteer State, you have no guarantee about its quality and safety. Online, you can find all the information you need for peace of mind.
A major advantage of shopping online is that they are typically more transparent and legitimate than physical stores. For your safety, most online retailers provide full ingredient lists and third-party laboratory testing for their products. Moreover, you can find some information about how these companies source and manufacture hemp-derived products by visiting their websites, as well as by reading online reviews from people all over the country, not just those in your area.
Compared to in-store shopping, online shopping offers more variety. When you shop in person, you have to choose between what you see, try your luck elsewhere, or leave empty-handed. With the help of online shopping, you can find the products you're looking for in a matter of minutes. It doesn't matter if you want vapes, oils, gummies, or flower, you can find them all from the comfort of your home!
Delta 9 in Tennessee
Although delta 9 has quickly infiltrated mainstream culture in Tennessee, becoming a market giant among the state’s citizens just as it has elsewhere across the country, the state remains one of the 11 states that hasn’t legalized or decriminalized marijuana. Possession of half an ounce or less is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. First offenders are automatically fined $250, and any subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum fine of $500. Delta 9 derived from hemp, however, is an entirely different (and fully legal) story.
A retailer does not require a license to sell processed hemp products. Only manufacturers need a license or permit to sell live hemp products, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The compound is therefore freely and legally available at all kinds of corner stores, gas stations, and smoke shops all over the Volunteer State.
In spite of this, not all delta 9 products are the same. You can still find high-quality delta 9 products in person, even if buying your hemp-derived cannabinoids online remains your best and safest bet for a positive experience. When choosing your delta 9 from a physical or online store, there are a few things to look out for.
Things to Consider When Buying Delta 9 in Tennessee
Even though it is legal to buy delta 9 in Tennessee, whether you buy it in person or online, not all delta 9 is safe to use. There are many natural benefits associated with hemp, including pain relief, anxiety management, and psychoactive experiences, but the extraction and production processes for many hemp-derived products can leave dangerous residues. When choosing hemp product sources, here are a few things to watch out for.
Choosing Organic Hemp
To be legal in Tennessee, delta 9 must contain no more than 0.3% THC, but that's not all hemp is about. As a result of its exceptional ability to absorb nutrients and toxins from its environment, the plant absorbs any herbicides or pesticides used on its leaves and soil. That means that if a hemp plant is grown using these chemical pest control methods, those chemicals could end up in your product. Select retailers that use organic hemp grown without pesticides, herbicides, or any other harmful chemicals.
Knowing Different Extraction Methods
There are many ways to extract hemp compounds, but CO2 is the safest and most effective method. Although it is the most expensive and most consistent method, it provides the purest and most consistent results. CO2 extractions are a sign that the company you're buying from cares about quality and purity over making quick profits with inferior products.
Avoiding Bleach
It is common for manufacturers to bleach their hemp extracts to make them appear cleaner and higher quality. Usually, high quality hemp extracts are amber or even pinkish in color, but never completely colorless. A cloudy concentrate is also not a good sign, so choose a concentrate that is transparent, but is not completely colorless.
Demanding Lab Test Results
In this list, lab testing is perhaps the most important item, as any extraction method, including CO2, can be dangerous, which is why it needs to be performed by someone who is properly qualified and seasoned. The third-part lab test ensures that the product you consume is free from contaminants and additives, as well as providing accurate measurements of THC concentration, purity, and potency.
Doing Your Own Research
If you are concerned about your health, it would seem ridiculous not to take advantage of the tools and knowledge readily available to you in the Information Age. You should research a company's practices and values on the internet before choosing a company to buy cannabinoids from. Find out if they test their products and how they source them on their website. See if they have customer reviews or comments. Are the customers satisfied? Are they unhappy? It's important to understand how a company treats its customers before buying from them, as it says a lot about their ethics.
Tennessee Cannabis Market Grows with Delta 9 & Medical Marijuana
With 39 states and Washington DC legalizing marijuana for medical use, the market for medicinal cannabis has undoubtedly boomed across the United States. That said, the battle isn't won, even in states that do have medical cannabis programs. Some states, like Tennessee, place heavy restrictions on the medical uses for the compound, so gaining access to marijuana for medical purposes is substantially more difficult than going online or taking a quick drive to a smoke shop for some hemp-derived delta 9.
Tennessee Medical Cannabis Laws
As mentioned before, Tennessee’s medical cannabis laws are heavily restricting. In 2021, the Volunteer State approved Senate Bill 118, effectively creating the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission. The commission’s goal was to study cannabis as a medical tool for further consideration as a legitimate treatment. SB 118 also expanded the state’s previous and ineffective CBD laws by increasing the amount of qualifying medical conditions, as well as raising the allowable THC threshold to 0.9%.
In 2022, the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission issued a report that included its recommendations for improving SB 118. The General Assembly, however, did not take up any of these recommendations. At this time, you need to meet the following requirements in order to qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program:
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying condition
- Have an official prescription from a certified Tennessee-based doctor
- Be a Tennessee resident with valid proof of residency
Tennessee’s qualifying medical conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer (at end stage or if treatment produces wasting illness, nausea and vomiting, or pain)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Sickle cell disease
After being diagnosed with one of the abovementioned conditions, patients are eligible for a medical marijuana card in the state. The next step is to find a doctor to review the conditions and determine whether or not medical cannabis is applicable to the situation. Some paperwork may also be necessary, such application forms, a completed Physical Written Certification, a state-issued ID, and payment to the doctor.
The bill, however, is relatively new, meaning that things aren’t yet up and running. There are currently no dispensaries in operation allowed to sell medical cannabis in Tennessee, and the patient registration process is still being implemented.
Tennessee Medical Cannabis vs. Hemp-Derived Delta 9
Until the bill goes into practice, hemp-derived cannabinoids seem to be the only legal way for any potentially qualifying patient to enjoy the relaxing and soothing benefits of cannabis. Even when it does go into effect, however, there will inevitably be people who don’t qualify or can’t afford getting a medical cannabis card in the state. These people, however, can still find solace in hemp-derived delta 9. Delta 9 derived from hemp and delta 9 derived from marijuana are, after all, chemically identical. The only palpable differences are that they come from legally different plants and contain different amounts of THC.
Medical marijuana bill passes through Tennessee Senate committee, conditions attached
Where to Find Delta 9 in Tennessee
Now that you’ve got the scoop on delta 9’s legality in Tennessee, you’re probably wondering where to get some hemp-derived compounds around the state. Again, the best and safest way to get delta 9 in the Volunteer State is to order it online. That said, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous (or don’t want to wait for shipping times), here are a few places to check out in different cities across Tennessee.
Nashville – Perfect Plant Hemp Co – 4.9 Stars
Perfect Plant Hemp Co provides a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers and seasoned users alike. They have excellent customer service, with a staff willing to help, chat, and make recommendations. Their products are varied and behave exactly as they’re supposed to. High quality products, competitive prices, and a friendly place to shop—what more could you want?
Knoxville – Hemp Solutions Dispensary – 4.6 Stars
“Hemp Solutions is one of the best CBD shops I’ve been to,” says one reviewer about this shop, “Their selection is second to none.” According to other customers, the shop “rocks” and is simply “stellar.” They’ve got it all, from hemp-derived products to accessories and glassware. Everyone who walks in leaves impressed, are you ready to be dazzled?
Ocoee – Smoky Mountain CBD LLC – 4.9 Stars
Smoky Mountain isn't just your average CBD shop. It’s an all-natural way to help customers overcome ailments and become their best selves. They have an amazing inventory of products that not only taste great, but they feel great too! “Smoky Mountain CBD is one of the best companies to have ever been forged out of Tennessee,” says one customer, “Their customer services have provided knowledge and medicine to a community that has needed it for a long time to help fix the turmoil that the opioid epidemic caused. I am forever grateful to be a customer and recommend them all over the globe.”
Delta 9 in Tennessee: Final Thoughts
Despite Tennessee’s hostility towards marijuana, the state seems to be okay with limited medical usage of the plant. But is delta 9 legal in Tennessee? The answer is yes, as long as it is sourced from hemp and does not exceed the Farm Bill’s threshold of 0.3% THC. That said, these laws are subject to change at any time, so Tennesseans should stay current on hemp legislation in the state—and enjoy this safe and legal buzz while they can!
