Take Action Now: State Hemp Policy Updates
As legislative sessions continue across the United States, state lawmakers are weighing a range of proposals that could shape the future of hemp‑derived products. The US Hemp Roundtable has been tracking these developments closely and provides a snapshot of where key bills stand in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Below you’ll find a summary of each measure, the Roundtable’s position, and ways you can get involved.
Kentucky
SB 223 (Support)
Kentucky legislators introduced SB 223 to create a lawful retail and distribution channel for cannabis‑infused beverages by placing them under the state’s existing alcohol regulatory framework. The bill would:
- Authorize supplemental licenses that allow qualified retailers—including hemp‑focused shops—to sell THC‑infused beverages.
- Set up a clear regulatory pathway overseen by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
- Prohibit open containers of THC beverages in motor vehicles, a safeguard aimed at promoting responsible consumption.
HB 9 (Support if Amended)
HB 9 seeks to revise taxation and licensing structures for hemp‑derived beverages. In its current form, the bill includes duplicative per‑milligram taxes and licensing fees that exceed those applied to comparable alcohol licenses. Targeted amendments would be needed to achieve parity and create a workable framework for hemp beverage businesses.
Kentucky Residents – Stay Engaged:
Use the action form linked in our State Action Center to contact your lawmakers and share why a fair, workable regulatory framework for hemp‑derived products matters to Kentucky’s consumers and small businesses.
Oklahoma
SB 3 (Monitor)
Oklahoma lawmakers are reviewing SB 3, which could adopt a federal‑style total‑THC limit based on a 0.4 mg per‑container standard. While the bill remains in early stages, its eventual structure could affect the legality of many hemp products currently on the market.
At this point, SB 3 faces a lengthy procedural path, and broader hemp policy changes may be limited during this session.
Oklahoma Residents – Take Action:
Send a message to your state legislators urging them to avoid adopting language that would unnecessarily restrict lawful hemp products. The action button in our State Action Center makes this quick and easy.
Tennessee
SB 1761 / HB 1503 (Monitor)
The Tennessee legislature has passed SB 1761/HB 1503, as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1 (SA0696), and forwarded it to the Governor for consideration. The legislation makes targeted revisions to the state’s existing hemp‑derived cannabinoid product framework, including:
- Updating the definition of “supplier.”
- Clarifying certain licensing and background‑check requirements.
- Adjusting labeling standards.
- Modifying how certificates of analysis are accessed via QR codes.
- Removing some existing packaging requirements.
No action is requested at this time; the Roundtable will continue to monitor the bill’s progress.
Texas
Consumable Hemp Rules (TRO)
Texas has implemented major new consumable hemp rules through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The rules, filed on March 2 and set to take effect on March 31, 2026, include:
- Increased licensing fees—$10,000 per manufacturing facility and $5,000 per retail location.
- Inclusion of THCA in the total‑THC framework.
- Expanded testing, packaging, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements.
- A labeling mandate that requires a conspicuously marked URL linking directly to a certificate of analysis, accessible in three or fewer steps.
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is currently in place, keeping delta‑9 THC as the compliance standard while the case proceeds. A Temporary Injunction hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
The US Hemp Roundtable supports clear rules that protect minors and improve consumer transparency. However, steep fee increases and overly burdensome requirements can act as market exclusion measures for small businesses rather than reasonable public‑health safeguards.
No action is requested at this time; we will continue to monitor the litigation and any ensuing regulatory developments.
Visit our State Action Center to see active campaigns across the country!
For the latest updates and to take immediate action on any of the bills mentioned above, please visit our State Action Center. Your voice helps shape sensible hemp policy that protects consumers, supports legitimate businesses, and respects state‑level authority.
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