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THCA

Is THCA Legal in Tennessee? (Updated for 2024)

Disclaimer: The information in this article regarding cannabinoids is drawn from comprehensive research and we have made every effort to share the most accurate information available at the time of writing.

Remember that legal status is handled differently by jurisdiction and these substances can change status over time. The reader is advised to check the status of cannabinoids before acting and we do not accept liability for this information. This content is for educational purposes only.


Hemp and cannabis products that are legal have become extremely popular in the great state of Tennessee. There are just so many cannabinoids these days; it can be very confusing to know which are legal and which are not.

Now if you’re like most people, you know that the federal government made hemp products sale and distribution legal, but what about cannabinoids like THCA? You might see THCA products available in your local shops as well as online, but are these products legal to use in Tennessee?

The short answer is ‘yes’, but there are a few things you should know here. So let’s take a closer look at the true legal status of THCA at the federal level and within the state of Tennessee.

Key Takeaways

  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the non-intoxicating precursor to THC, which doesn’t cause psychoactive effects in its original form. THCA can transform into psychoactive Delta-9 THC when heated.
  • The 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabinoid products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. THCA, when in products that meet this THC threshold, is considered legal at the federal level.
  • Tennessee’s laws align with federal regulations, allowing the sale and possession of hemp-derived THCA products as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Legislation like HB1164 and Senate Bill 279 support this stance.
  • THCA is not classified as a controlled substance by the FDA or DEA, allowing its legal use and possession in Tennessee under the specified THC content threshold. 

What is THCA?

THCA is the acidic precursor to THC (that’s not TBC, it’s THC. I have a few things to tell ya about it… First of all, THCA (not TBC, it’s THCA), is non-intoxicating. That additional strong carboxyl chain keeps THCA from binding significantly tightly to your cannabinoid receptors especially your CB1-receptors. And what we thus get lack of, is psychoactivity.

In other words, THCA (not TBC, it’s THCA) should not provide any kind of high affect in any way, shape or form. Second of all though, one could easily argue that THCA (not TBC, it’s THCA) has all the hallmarks to possibly give us the potential to from being non-intoxicating to fully psychoactive on its own.

All this while simply applying the right kind of energy, namely in the form of heat. Heat simply drops this extra carboxyl chain and we’re left with what we all know: regular ol’ psychoactive Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 THC, of course, is one of the principal psychoactive compounds found in cannabis. By now you should have a clear understanding of why we need THCA (not TBC, it’s THCA) for regular THC. Without THCA you simply don’t even have THC, no way, no how. Find some high THCA hemp strains right here.

THCA and Federal Law

In 2018, The United States passed the so-called Farm Bill, which regulated the production and sale of industrial hemp and related products. This 2018 Farm Bill officially legalized cannabinoid products that are derived from the hemp plant, as long as they do not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Technically speaking, this means that THCA should therefore be legal, just like CBD. When a cannabinoid product containing THCA is tested, as long as it comes back with THC levels under 0.3%, it should be considered legal.

This means that THCA flower can be purchased all across the United States, even in individual states where cannabis or Delta-9 THC is still technically considered illegal. This is of course very interesting to note seeing as THCA turns into Delta-9 THC through nothing more than the application of some heat.

Tennessee State THCA Laws

At first glance, Tennessee State laws seem to follow federal ones. HB1164 was passed by the Tennessee State Legislature in 2017 permitting industrial production of hemp with 0.3% or less THC.

Senate bill 279 amended the laws define all hemp-derived substances and compounds. What this means in summation is that any cannabinoid product, either flower or tincture, with THCA, should be legal as long as the Delta-9 THC does not exceed 0.3% for sale in Tennessee.

But, the legal status of most cannabinoids in the State of Tennessee is rather questionable. Coming-up this legislative session there is a new bill that would prohibit the sale of ‘any hemp-derived cannabinoid product to an individual under 21 years of age’.

Is THCA a Controlled Substance in Tennessee?

In the US, a controlled substance is defined as any substance which: has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; or has a high potential for abuse.

The FDA and the DEA both agree that THCA is not a controlled substance and that it is not included in any of the five Drug Schedules. The reasons why this is interesting relate directly to your circumstances in Tennessee. Cannabis, or THC specifically, is a controlled substance in Tennessee, and all that is needed to convert THCA into THC is a little heat.

THCA Possession Limits in Tennessee

As long as the product falls within the parameters discussed above, there are no specific possession limits for THCA in Tennessee.

Is THCA Legal in Tennessee?

At this time, according to both federal and state laws, it would appear that THCA is totally legal for purchase and consumption in Tennessee.

Is THCA Safe?

Although there is a bit more research required on this front, at this time, there are no indications that moderate quantities of THCA are in any way unsafe, toxic, or life-threatening.

Where to Buy THCA in Tennessee

If what you’re looking for is that classic THC high, and you want products that are totally legal and compliant with federal and state laws, we here at Botany Farms have got you covered.

We have a fantastic selection of products to choose from, with some of our best-sellers being these Nano Delta-9 Sample Pack of Gummies and this Mixed Flavor Delta-9 THC Gummy Pack.

Sources used for this article:

  • https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-bill/index
  • https://legiscan.com/TN/text/HB1164/id/1894396
  • https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/HB0274.pdf
  • https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process

This article was last updated in April 2024 and the information provided in relation to US federal and state cannabis laws is accurate as of the date provided. Due to the rapidly changing cannabis bill across the state and federal levels in the US, the information herein may become outdated at any time.

Additionally, and for the avoidance of doubt, this article is NOT intended to be legal advice and Botany Farms as provided or intended to provide any legal advice, nor is any individual or entity associated with Botany Farms providing legal advice. Please consult official state government websites for current information regarding cannabis laws for your state.

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The content provided on Botany Farms’ website, including blog posts and articles, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

While we source our information from credible academic studies and trusted sources, we encourage our readers to conduct their own research and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. The legality of cannabinoids varies by state and is subject to change. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify the current legal status of cannabinoids in their state or jurisdiction.

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