Instead of an outright ban, lawmakers now want to regulate Tennessee’s Delta 8 industry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — There is not any doubt, Tennessee’s Home Majority Chief’s thoughts is made up.

“Proper now, these merchandise are utterly unregulated. They’re being offered all through Tennessee,” stated Rep. William Lamberth, a Republican from Sumner County. “I might encourage adults to keep away from these merchandise.”

This is the reason, final yr, Lamberth fought to utterly ban Delta 8 merchandise in Tennessee. However you may inform that effort was unsuccessful, if you happen to even look round Nashville and Center Tennessee. Between pop-up stands on Decrease Broadway to Delta 8-infused bars like Buds and Brews in Germantown, the trade is not blowing smoke. Lamberth discovered that firsthand when some companies and constituents known as his workplace final yr.

“We heard from a wide range of Tennesseans from throughout the state, which is strictly the best way this course of ought to work,” he stated.

So now, as an alternative of combating for elimination, Lamberth is now combating for rules.

“We will both enable that to proceed, or we are able to regulate this product and make it safer for each Tennesseean,” stated Lamberth.

A brand new model of the invoice this yr would ban the sale of hemp-derived merchandise to anybody beneath the age of 21 and create guidelines and oversight for the way it’s developed and packaged. It’s going to additionally require all companies promoting Delta 8 to obtain the correct license.

“It ensures that each single product goes to be labeled and packaged appropriately in order that you already know as the patron, precisely what you’re shopping for,” stated Rep. Lamberth.

The hassle has help from a spot you won’t anticipate. Kelley Hess is a lobbyist for the Tennessee Growers Coalition, which represents the hemp trade.

“We’re in favor of frequent sense oversight and testing of those merchandise and it’s essential for public security and market improvement of those merchandise,” Hemp advised NewsChannel 5 in an interview.

Lamberth hopes he can get sufficient votes to make this occur, as a result of whereas his opinion on Delta 8 hasn’t modified, his technique definitely has.

“If you happen to purchase these merchandise, you already know precisely what you’re shopping for,” stated Rep. Lamberth.

An identical model of the invoice, died within the Senate final yr.

Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, thinks this yr shall be completely different as a result of he believes his Senate colleagues misinterpreted the invoice.

“They did not perceive that Delta 8 is already on the market,” stated Sen. Briggs over the cellphone. “I feel this yr shall be completely different.”