The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has finalized new rules that will drastically reshape the hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) industry in Tennessee. These rules, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, threaten to ban THCA and CBD flower—products that many of you rely on for wellness and relief. At Burning Acre, we believe that cannabis and hemp products should remain accessible, but we need your help to make sure our voices are heard.
What’s at Stake?
Despite the 19,000 public comments submitted in opposition to the rules, the TDA has pushed forward with a plan that introduces unfair testing standards and bans key products.
The new rules:
Ban THCA flower, concentrates, and CBD flower, forcing many businesses out of the market.
Set 0.3% THC limits based on post-decarboxylation testing, classifying compliant products as illegal by inflating their THC content.
Enforce random and unannounced inspections, giving businesses little to no recourse.
This isn’t just about Burning Acre—it’s about the survival of the entire Tennessee hemp industry. Without public pushback, these rules will have far-reaching consequences:
Small businesses will close or be forced to move operations out of state.
Jobs and economic growth will suffer as the hemp industry shrinks.
Consumers will lose access to safe, reliable products, pushing them toward unregulated alternatives.
Why Contacting Your Representative Matters
We are at a critical juncture—your voice can still make a difference. While the TDA is set to enforce these rules, the Tennessee legislature has the power to influence and change them. Lawmakers need to hear from the people these rules will impact the most: you, the consumers, business owners, and advocates.
Here’s why contacting your local representative is essential:
Influence Legislative Decisions: When constituents speak up, lawmakers listen. Representatives rely on feedback from their districts to make informed decisions. Your call or email could be the tipping point that encourages them to oppose these harmful regulations.
Create Urgency: Legislators are often pulled in many directions. If enough people raise the issue, it sends a clear message that the hemp industry matters to Tennessee and that action must be taken now.
Prevent Future Overreach: If these rules go into effect, it sets a dangerous precedent for further restrictions on hemp products in the future. Stopping these rules today will protect not only the current market but also future innovation and growth.
Support Pro-Hemp Legislation: Representatives like Chris Hurt are already working on bills to clarify and protect the hemp industry. With enough public pressure, the legislature can introduce and pass laws that secure the future of THCA and CBD products.
Sample Email to Send to Your Representative
Below is a sample email you can use to contact your local representative. Feel free to copy, paste, and personalize it as needed:
Subject: Urgent: Oppose the New Hemp Rules to Protect THCA and Tennessee’s Hemp Industry
Dear [Representative's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [business owner/consumer/advocate] in your district. I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) rules proposed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). These new regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, threaten to ban THCA and CBD flower, which are critical to the success of Tennessee’s hemp industry and vital to many consumers in our state.
As a constituent, I urge you to oppose these rules for the following reasons:
They will force businesses to close: The new post-decarboxylation THC testing standard unfairly reclassifies legal products as illegal, making it impossible for small hemp businesses to stay afloat.
Consumers will lose access to safe products: Many rely on THCA and CBD products for wellness, pain management, and mental health. Banning these products will push people toward unregulated markets or force them to shop out of state.
Jobs and economic growth are at stake: Tennessee’s hemp industry contributes to our local economy. Restrictive rules will limit job creation and growth in the sector.
The new rules are inconsistent with federal law: The post-decarboxylation standard contradicts the intent of the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which defines legal hemp based solely on Delta-9 THC levels.
I ask that you work with your colleagues to prevent these rules from becoming permanent. Instead,
I urge the legislature to support clear and fair legislation that aligns with both state and federal law, protecting THCA and hemp products. Representative Chris Hurt is already leading efforts to introduce a bill to address these issues—please join him in supporting the industry and the people it serves.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate hearing back from you on your position and any steps you plan to take to protect the hemp industry in Tennessee.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number]
What You Can Do Today
Here’s how you can make your voice heard:
Find Your Representative: Visit Find My Legislator to locate your district’s representative. FIND MY REP
Send the Email Above or Make a Call: Even a short message can make a big impact.
Share Your Story: Personal experiences have a powerful influence on legislators. Tell them how hemp products have improved your life or the lives of your loved ones.
Follow Burning Acre for Updates: Stay connected with us on social media for the latest news and calls to action.
Together, We Can Stop This Ban
The future of THCA and CBD flower in Tennessee is at stake. If these rules become permanent, they will cripple businesses, limit consumer access, and undermine the progress we’ve made as an industry. This isn’t just about policy—it’s about survival.
Every call, email, and conversation with a legislator brings us one step closer to ensuring a fair future for the industry.
Let’s keep Tennessee green—contact your representative today and make your voice heard.
Thank you for standing with us.
The Burning Acre Team
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