1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

This version is under 350 words: Tennessee lawmakers should regulate THCA responsibly instead of banning it. A prohibition will not eliminate demand. It will remove legal safeguards such as laboratory testing, accurate labels, age verification, product traceability, accountable retailers, and consumer recall procedures. Consumers will still seek these products, but many will be pushed toward unlicensed sellers who provide no testing, no accountability, and no protection for minors. Tennessee already knows how to regulate adult-use products. Alcohol remains legal despite its documented risks because the state uses licensing, age restrictions, taxation, labeling, and enforcement. THCA should be treated with the same practical approach. We support strict adult-only regulation, including: • Independent laboratory testing • Accurate potency and ingredient labels • Child-resistant packaging • Mandatory age verification • Product tracking and recall requirements • Penalties for contaminated or mislabeled products • Strong enforcement against sales to minors A blanket ban would harm consumers, farmers, employees, and compliant Tennessee businesses while strengthening illicit markets. It would also remove tax revenue and eliminate the state’s ability to monitor product safety. Public policy should be based on evidence, harm reduction, and consumer protection—not prohibition that forces an existing market underground. We ask Tennessee lawmakers to preserve legal adult access to regulated THCA products and replace blanket prohibition with enforceable safety standards. Regulate THCA. Protect consumers. Support legal businesses. Do not create an illicit market.