Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil in Tennessee

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on October 4, 2021

If you are interested in using CBD oil, but you live in Tennessee, you may have a lot of questions. For one, you may wonder about its legality in the state. You may also not really know where to start when it comes to making a purchase. If that is the case, you're in luck!

We're here to answer many of your most frequently asked questions about CBD oil in Tennessee. We have the most up-to-date information, so you can be sure that it is accurate.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that is found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD is the second most predominant active ingredient in these plants, with THC being the first. The CBD we use in the United States comes directly from industrial hemp. It is required by federal law to have less than 0.3% THC by weight.

Sometimes people get confused about CBD, thinking that is just marijuana in oil form. But this is not the case at all. CBD does not get you high, and according to the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” So not only will it not get you high, but it also does not cause people to get addicted.

CBD has been used to help with many health conditions as well. People have found improvement when they have taken it to help with:

• The symptoms of Parkinson's disease
• Psoriasis
• The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
• Diabetes
• Anxiety
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Is CBD Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, CBD is legal in Tennessee as long as it meets certain qualifications. It has to be hemp-derived and it must contain less than 0.3% THC by weight.

The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in December of that year. Up until that point, CBD was considered to be a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. But this new law changed its legal status. It also gave the FDA authority over all hemp products. They must meet any applicable FDA standards, just like other regulated products.

These changes opened up a new world of opportunities for hemp farmers and growers all over the country. But it was still up to the individual states to make their own laws.

Tennessee Hemp Legislation

Tennessee began its Industrial Hemp Pilot Program in 2015. Around this time, hemp was removed from the definition of controlled substances in the Criminal Code. In the beginning, the hemp industry was highly regulated. But by 2019, the Tennessee Legislature changed the laws regarding hemp. The rules were simplified and they repealed about half of the then-existing regulations.

Today's Tennessee hemp and CBD laws state that CBD that is made from hemp with less than 0.3% THC by weight is legal. But any CBD that is derived from marijuana is illegal unless the FDA has approved it as a prescribed medication or unless it falls into a research category.

Are There Laws About CBD Possession in Tennessee?

Because CBD products are different from marijuana, the same possession laws do not apply. For example, in Tennessee, possession of a half an ounce or less of marijuana could result in a maximum fine of $250 and 1 year of incarceration. But CBD oil is not the same.

There are no possession laws regarding CBD. It is lawful to have it with you everywhere you go in Tennessee. The same is true for medical CBD, which is allowed to have 0.9% or less of THC by weight.

What is Required to Sell CBD in Tennessee?

Any business that sells CBD in Tennessee is required to have the typical business licenses. But they are not required to have any type of license that is specific to selling CBD.

Because this is still a fairly new industry, laws are still being developed and new regulations are being put into place. In the future, we expect to see regulations that include a requirement for third-party testing for purity and potency.

Labeling and Marketing CBD Products in Tennessee

Right now, there are no strict regulations in Tennessee regarding product labeling. This may come as a surprise because many other states have strict rules about this, and Canada does as well. But there are a few guidelines that reputable companies follow.

When shopping for CBD, you should look for the following on the label:

• A list of ingredients.
• Information about the batch.
• The business name and other applicable information.
• Product identity information.
• The amount of CBD by weight.

Many companies will also include a QR code that leads to additional information about the product.

What Types of CBD Oil Can You Buy in Tennessee?

There are many CBD products that can be purchased legally in Tennessee, either online or in stores. They include:

• CBD oils
• CBD infused edibles
• Topical CBD products
• CBD inhalers
• CBD flower for smoking
• CBD patches

Finding High-Quality CBD Products in Tennessee

If you are shopping for CBD products in Tennessee, you may not know where to begin to find what you are looking for. Quality is really important, and the best CBD products:

• Are made from the whole plant. This is called full spectrum CBD, and most people believe that it is the most potent because it produces the “entourage effect.”
• Will provide information about their third-party testing results.
• May be a little more expensive than others. The old adage is true – you get what you pay for.

What to Look for When Buying CBD in Tennessee

Once you begin shopping for CBD in Tennessee, you'll want to determine which type of CBD is right for you. The following are all options that are available to you:

• Hemp seed oil – This is not the same as CBD. It contains no CBD and usually only has trace amounts of CBD.
• CBD Isolate – This is the purest form of CBD you will find. It does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes or other ingredients.
• Broad spectrum CBD – This form of CBD contains most of the cannabinoids that are in full spectrum, but it does not contain THC.
• Full spectrum CBD – This type of CBD contains the highest amount of cannabinoids, terpenes and phytonutrients from the hemp plant.

CBD can be life-changing, and if you live in Tennessee, you have access to some incredible products. If you're not sure what would work best for you, we can help. Just use our CBD Finder Tool, which can direct you to the right products for you.

Learn More About CBD