KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – For months WVLT News has talked with Blom Shop owner Travis McKinney and others about a bill making headway in the state capitol.
The bill, sponsored by Knox County Senator Richard Briggs (R-District 7) and Portland State Rep. William Lamberth (R-District 44) is aimed at restricting the sale of THC-A.
Previous Coverage: ‘The doors won’t be open’ | New legislation brings fear for some East Tenn. hemp store owners
Lawmakers passed the bill Thursday, sending it to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, which will effectively end THC-A sales in in the Volunteer State when he signs it.
“It’s unfortunate for the people who could get a lot of these things comfortably. We get into this all the time, I talk to you guys a lot, and there’s just so much misinformation on the Hill and it’s unfortunate,“ said Blom Shop owner Travis McKinney.
McKinney had told WVLT News in the past he was concerned the bill would result in the closure of some hemp businesses, but doesn’t fear that now. He instead worries about the impact on people who need it most.
Previous Coverage: Bill regulating hemp sales, banning certain THCA products in TN heads to Gov. Lee’s desk
“It’s now the wild west again; the black market is going to thrive, online sales are going to thrive. Some states don’t have the same testing regulations as Tennessee, but they can still get it right to their door step,“ said McKinney.
Supporters of the bill said its to protect children and bring the state in line with its total ban on the sale of marijuana, which some say THC-A is comparable to when burned.
McKinney is hopeful other legislation will reverse what this legislation set out to accomplish, while he hopes those impacted most won’t suffer.
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Lawmakers passed the bill Thursday, sending it to Governor Lee’s desk which will end in the ban of THCA sales in Tennessee. Read More
