‘It doesn't make sense': TN hemp stores face uncertain future following near-ban on THCA
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee legislature dealt a crushing blow to hemp stores across the state after moving forward with a bill that would ban hemp products that contain more than 0.3% THCA.
THCA turns into an intoxicant when burned.
Adam Stallings and Ashton Smyth are business partners who own The Laboratory in Kingsport and several other locations in East Tennessee.
Smyth said discussions are already underway to decide how the business can move forward.
TOP STORIES: TennCare change would aid Ballad's rural hospitals
'I think we're going to grow more in clothing and artwork and other things like that,' Smyth said. 'In our Johnson City store, we sell some collectible items like trading cards.'
Smyth said that they're going to lean into their TCHA drinks, which aren't included in the ban, as an avenue to keep people in the doors. He explained that they've been taking suggestions from customers as to what kinds of products they'd like to see in stores.
Nonetheless, Smyth said that not having their top products will have a negative impact.
'We sell a lot of different things that aren't THCA, but at the end of the day, THCA is what gets people in the door,' Smyth said.
Smyth and Stallings both lobbied in Nashville to help keep the multi-million-dollar hemp industry in the state. Although that push failed, Stallings said he isn't giving up the fight.
CRIME: Unicoi Co. couple charged with aggravated child abuse
Stallings is going as far as running for a spot in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
'We have to get people that are in there that are going to be a serious voice, that are going to listen to the people and be that voice for the people that will vote for the will of the people,' Stallings said.
The future is unclear in Tennessee for The Laboratory and other stores that sell hemp products. Smyth said that tough conversations are in the future. One of those conversations surrounds whether to stay in Tennessee.
'This is where we want to grow and continue trying to put the effort here in the state,' Smyth said. 'Now, with how everything's going, we've really had to consider moving out of this state.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Police seeking info after motorcycle pursuit in Russell County
RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Virginia State Police (VSP) is asking for the public's help in identifying a motorcyclist who reportedly fled an attempted traffic stop in Russell County on May 31. VSP reports that around 11 a.m., a trooper attempted a stop on a Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle for reckless driving and helmet/registration violations in the Moccasin Ridge Road and Route 71 area. VSP: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured after Smyth County crash During the pursuit, the motorcycle reportedly became disabled in the Clinch Mountain Road area. The motorcyclist then fled on foot, according to VSP. Anyone with information is asked to email Virginia State Police at questions@ or call the Virginia State Police Area 28 Office at (276) 964-4477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Deputy Governor, TDOT Commissioner steps away after seven years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Governor Bill Lee announced Friday that Deputy Governor and Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Butch Eley is stepping away from his role in the third quarter of 2025 after nearly seven years of leadership. Eley has been a key figure in advancing infrastructure, financial stewardship and government modernization across the state, according to a news release. 'It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Governor Lee and the people of Tennessee,' Eley said in the release. 'From building long-term systems that better serve Tennesseans, to navigating some of our state's toughest challenges, I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished. This moment marks not an end, but a pause—a chance to ensure a smooth transition and reflect on how I can continue to make an impact in new ways.' Local agencies warn of DMV text message scam Eley described the decision as a transition to step away from government to spend more time with his family. Under his role as TDOT Commissioner, Eley reportedly launched the following initiatives: Introduced Tennessee's first Public-Private Partnership (P3) initiatives to modernize project delivery and increase innovation by engaging the private sector. Pioneered alternative delivery models to improve project speed and efficiency, improving service for taxpayers. Created the first-ever fiscally constrained 10-year project plan, bringing unprecedented transparency and accountability to state transportation investments. Secured dedicated, recurring General Fund dollars for transportation for the first time in TDOT's history to ensure an additional and sustainable revenue stream to help meet Tennessee's infrastructure needs in the decades to come. Led the single-largest infrastructure investment in state history with the I-55 bridge over the Mississippi replacement project. Commenced the state's first performance-based maintenance contract, engaging the private sector with outlined metrics to establish clear and objective standards for how our roads should look to motorists. 'Since I decided to run for Governor, Deputy Governor Eley has served as one of my most trusted advisors,' Governor Bill Lee said in the release. 'I turned to him to manage our state departments as chief operating officer after my first inauguration, and then to steward our state's finances as finance and administration commissioner during the worst global economic decline since the Great Depression. In my second term, Butch stepped into a new role to prepare Tennessee's infrastructure for generations to come, ensuring we continue to accommodate our state's extraordinary economic growth. I've entrusted him with some of the most difficult challenges facing our state, and he has consistently overachieved. Butch has served the people of Tennessee with the highest level of excellence, and God has blessed Maria and me with a lifelong friend. I thank him for his unwavering leadership.' 'None of this work has been mine alone,' Eley said in the release. 'It's been the result of an extraordinary Governor, supportive and engaged teams, and a shared commitment to making government work better for the people we serve. Leadership is about stewardship—and I believe the systems, improvements, and processes we've built are strong enough to thrive for years to come.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Project Health supports youth in Southwest Virginia interested in health care careers
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — EO Companies received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for Project Health, an initiative to support youth and young adults ages 14-24 interested in health care careers. 'Project Health will expand access to training, career development, and critical support services for youth interested in health care careers,' a release from EO Companies said. 'EO will support the development of career pathways and hands-on opportunities that connect young people with real-world health care experience.' Johnson City Horizon 2045 project in final phase The three-year initiative will serve in-school youth ages 14–21 and out-of-school youth ages 16–24 across the City of Norton and Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott and Wise counties. Core components of the initiative are as follows, provided by the release: Career Pathway Development – Participants will explore in-demand health care careers and the training required to pursue them. Targeted Recruitment & Outreach – EO will partner with local schools and workforce entities to engage youth at various stages of career readiness. Participant Support Services – Supports such as transportation, childcare, professional attire, technology, tuition assistance, and mentoring will be provided to ensure success. Hands-On Training & Employment Support – Youth will have access to internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with regional health care providers. 'Our communities urgently need more skilled health care workers,' said Crystal Breeding, program director at EO. 'This initiative will create accessible pathways for young people to step into those roles by removing barriers that too often hold them back.' For more information or to get involved, visit EO Workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
