15-05-2025
‘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.
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'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.
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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.'
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