The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing on Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. CST in Nashville to gather input on the permitting and regulation of industrial hemp - a mild form of marijuana.
The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment on the department’s commitment to fulfill the requirements of Public Chapter 916, enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly, to develop a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp in Tennessee, officials said.
State Agriculture Department officials stated, "Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and is of the same plant species as marijuana.
However hemp has a significantly lower
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, and is distinguished by its use and chemical makeup. You will find industrial hemp in a variety of products, including fabric, textiles, fibers, and pharmaceuticals. More than 30 nations grow industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. Current industry estimates show that U.S. importation and retail sales of hemp-based products may exceed $300 million annually."
The hearing will be at the Ellington Agricultural Center, Ed Jones Auditorium, 416 Hogan Road.
Contact: David Waddell, Consumer and Industry Services 615-837-5331
A copy of the rules and additional information may be obtained on the department’s webpage at http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/regulatory/industrialhemp.shtml.