Is Delta-9 THC Legal In Tennessee?
Yes, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal to purchase in Tennessee.
You can now legally buy Delta-9 Gummies and other products in TN as long as they’re Farm Bill compliant.
From the banks of the Mississippi River to the rolling hills of Appalachia, Tennesseans can now legally access and enjoy Cannovia’s Delta-9 THC Gummies.
What Is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the active ingredient in cannabis that gets you high. It’s one of 113+ cannabinoids in cannabis, along with CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol).
Delta-9 THC is found in abundant quantities in marijuana, the variety of cannabis that typically comes to mind when we hear the word. While some states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, it remains federally illegal.
Hemp, another type of federally legal cannabis, has trace amounts of Delta-9 THC (no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis).
The effects of Delta-9 THC can vary depending on dose, individual tolerance and method of consumption but generally include:
- Euphoria: Feeling happy and content.
- Relaxation: Less anxiety and muscle relaxation.
- Altered perception: Changes in senses, including heightened senses.
- Increased appetite: The munchies.
- Creativity: Increased imagination and new thinking.
- Introspection: Deeper thinking and self reflection.
But Delta-9 THC can also have some temporary side-effects:
- Anxiety and paranoia: Especially at higher doses or in sensitive individuals.
- Impaired coordination: Loss of balance and movement.
- Short term memory impairment: Difficulty concentrating or remembering recent events.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is another isomer of THC found naturally in cannabis plants in trace amounts. It has similar effects to Delta-9 THC, but milder.
Delta-8 THC, though naturally present in cannabis plants, exists only in trace amounts. That’s why it's often synthesized from CBD through chemical processes, meaning it can have unwanted chemical residues.
In contrast, Delta-9 THC can be extracted directly from cannabis plants using solventless extraction, resulting in a purer, more natural product. This key difference in production techniques has implications for both product quality and potential health effects.
Some research also suggest that Delta-9 THC may offer more comprehensive benefits. It appears to interact more effectively with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling network involved in regulating various physiological processes.
This enhanced interaction could explain why Delta-9 THC is often associated with a broader range of potential therapeutic effects.
Is Delta-9 THC Legal In Tennessee?
Yes as of July 2024 hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal in Tennessee as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Hemp Derived: Delta-9 THC must come from hemp which is defined as cannabis with 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
- THC Limit: The final product no matter the form (gummies, oils, etc.) cannot exceed 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
- Reputable Sources: Buy from reputable vendors who provide 3rd party lab test results showing compliance with legal limits and product safety.
The Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill was a total game changer for the hemp industry in the US. By removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and defining it as cannabis with 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC the bill legalized hemp cultivation, processing and sale at the federal level. This opened up a whole new world of opportunities for farmers, businesses and consumers.
A multi-billion dollar hemp industry and new markets for hemp derived products like CBD, textiles, building materials and biofuels.
Thousands of jobs across the board from farming and processing to retail and marketing.
Hemp has given farmers a new revenue stream especially in struggling rural areas as a viable alternative to traditional crops.
The Farm Bill opened the door for hemp derived Delta-8 THC and more recently Delta-9 THC products but with regulatory complexities and state by state laws.
THC Limits: The 0.3% THC limit has been a point of contention. Some say it’s too low and others are concerned about intoxicating effects.
While hemp is federally legal, states have different regulations creating a patchwork of laws that’s confusing for businesses and consumers.
Hemp-derived and Marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC
Hemp and marijuana are different despite being the same plant (Cannabis sativa). The main difference is the concentration of Delta-9 THC.
Hemp is a variety of cannabis with low Delta-9 THC content (not more than 0.3%), and won’t get you high when consumed directly.
It is primarily cultivated for its fiber and seeds which are used in industrial and consumer products like textiles, paper, building materials, food and personal care items.
Hemp is now federally legal in the US under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it’s no more than 0.3% THC.
Marijuana is another variety of cannabis plants with Delta-9 THC over .3% Content ( normally, 5% to 30% or more by dry weight).
It’s popular for its psychoactive effects and recreational usage. The high THC content is what gets you high, euphoric, relaxed, alters perception and increases appetite.
It is primarily cultivated for medicinal use and there are some medications which have Delta-9 THC as their primary ingredient (like Nabilone).
Marijuana is still federally illegal in the US, but legal in some states under their medical marijuana program for medical or recreational use.
Hemp has trace amounts of Delta-9 THC but with innovative extraction methods, we can isolate and concentrate this compound from hemp plants to produce hemp derived Delta-9 THC products that are 0.3% THC or less.
You might be wondering, “How can a gummy made from hemp, containing no more than 0.3% THC, have effects comparable to dispensary gummies?”
This is possible because the legal limit of 0.3% THC applies to the total weight of the product, not just the THC itself. Let's break it down:
A 4000mg (hemp extract) gummy can pack 5mg of THC and still be federally legal since 5mg is less than 0.3% (12mg) of the total 4000 mg weight. Similarly, a 6000 mg gummy can contain 15 mg of THC because it's within the 0.3%(18mg) limit.
The extra "space" on the gummy is filled with ingredients like sugar and gelatin which allows for a higher THC concentration.
Vape cartridges, unlike gummies, don't have extra space left. They're highly concentrated, with almost all of their weight coming from cannabinoids and terpenes. There's no room for "filler" ingredients.
This means that to stay within the legal limit, the THC concentration in a vape cartridge must be significantly lower.
To stay federally legal, a vape cartridge can't contain more than 0.3% THC. This makes it difficult to achieve the same potent effects as a gummy, as the THC concentration needs to be much lower.
Don’t like sugar and gelatin? The extra space in Cannovia’s gummies is filled with delicious natural flavors and fruit pectin.
Our gummies are completely free of any artificial flavors, sugars or solvents.
Tennessee Laws On Delta-9 THC
As of 2024 Delta-9 THC from hemp is legal in Tennessee thanks to Senate Bill 357. This new law brings state law in line with the 2018 federal Farm Bill and allows for a wider range of hemp derived products including those with Delta-9 THC.
All hemp derived products including edibles, tinctures and vapes must not exceed 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Here are the relevant sections of Senate Bill 357:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-402(16XC), is amended by deleting the subdivision and substituting the following:
(C) "Marijuana" also does not include hemp, as defined in $ 43-27-101,
SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-415, is amended by deleting subsection (c) and substituting the following:
(c) This section does not categorize hemp, as defined in $ 43-27-101, as a controlled substance.
SECTION 12. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, is amended by adding the following as a new chapter:
43-27-101.
(3) "Hemp" means the plant cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis; and
(4) "THC" means delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
Remember, Tennessee’s hemp laws are still changing. Check the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s website or consult with an attorney for the latest.
Marijuana Laws In Tennessee
Tennessee has legalized hemp derived Delta-9 THC products but marijuana is still illegal for recreational use. However they do have a limited medical cannabis program for low-THC high-CBD oil for specific qualifying conditions.
Possession Penalties:
- Less than 1/2 ounce (14 grams): This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a max fine of $2,500.
- First time offenders: $250 mandatory fine.
- Subsequent offenses: $500 mandatory minimum fine.
- 1/2 ounce to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms): Penalties increase with amount and intent to sell from Class E to Class B felonies.
- Hash and concentrates: Possession of concentrated cannabis products is harsher than plant material.
Sale/Distribution Penalties:
- Sale or distribution is a felony: Penalties vary with amount.
- Penalties:
- Class E felony (1/2 ounce to 10 pounds): 1 to 6 years and up to $5,000 fine.
- Class D felony (10 to 70 pounds): 2 to 12 years and up to $50,000 fine.
- Class B felony (70 to 300 pounds): 8 to 30 years and up to $100,000 fine.
- Limited access: Only low-THC high-CBD oil is allowed for specific medical conditions.
- No legal dispensaries: Patients must get products from out-of-state dispensaries with reciprocity agreements and bring them back to Tennessee.
Decriminalization Efforts:
- Local efforts: Some cities have tried to decriminalize marijuana but state law preempts these efforts.
- Nashville’s partial decriminalization: The district attorney has stopped prosecuting cases for possession of less than 1/2 ounce.
Where to Buy Delta 9 Edibles In Tennessee?
You can buy Delta-9 THC edibles online from reputed brands like Cannovia.
You can also purchase Delta-9 products from licensed retailers, including CBD shops, vape stores and some medical cannabis dispensaries.
Is Delta-9 THC Safe?
Yes, Delta-9 THC is safe when used responsibly and in moderation.
Here’s why:
- Natural: Delta-9 THC is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. It’s been used for centuries for medical and recreational purposes.
- Low Toxicity: Studies show Delta-9 THC has a wide margin of safety, meaning you’d have to take an extremely high dose to cause harm.
- Legal Limits: Hemp derived Delta-9 THC products in the US must be under 0.3% THC, which reduces the risk of negative effects.
- Potential Benefits: Research suggests Delta-9 THC may help with pain relief, anxiety reduction, appetite stimulation and sleep improvement.
However, more research is required to confirm these claims
Pregnant or breastfeeding and people with medical conditions should not use Delta-9 THC unless a doctor says so.
Remember, use in moderation.
Q: Is Delta-8 Legal In Tennessee?
A: Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC and products made from it are legal in Tennessee, provided they contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Q: Is Delta 10 legal in TN?
A: As of July 1, 2023, Delta 10 THC derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is legal in Tennessee.
Q: Is Delta 9 legal in TN?
A: Yes, as of July 1, 2024, Delta 9 THC derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is legal in Tennessee.
