The TABC Email Saying Hemp Restrictions Were Lifted Is Fake
An email that looked like it came from the TABC told Tennessee hemp licensees that restrictions were lifted. The TABC says it’s fraudulent and its rules remain in effect.
Current as of October 31, 2026.
Tennessee hemp licensees opened an email on Saturday morning that looked like it came from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). It said restrictions on hemp products had been lifted, and that is false. The TABC sent its own notice the same morning, calling the email fraudulent and telling licensees to disregard it.
The short version
- The email titled “IMPORTANT NOTICE from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Hemp Product Restrictions Lifted; Inspections Now Optional” is fraudulent.
- Tennessee’s hemp laws and rules did not change on October 31.
- The TABC says not to click any links in the email, reply to it, or rely on what it says.
What did the fake email claim?
The email was addressed to licensed hemp retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers. It made these claims:
- All hemp-derived products were cleared for sale, including THCa products of any strength.
- Kratom could be sold under a hemp license.
- Licenses no longer expire.
- Routine inspections were no longer required.
- Online licensing accounts had been deleted.
The email looked real because it had the agency’s name and a tn.gov address. Copies we reviewed also listed license numbers, business names, and expiration dates.
What did the TABC say?
The agency’s notice said the message “falsely appeared to come from TABC.” It said the claims about hemp restrictions, kratom, inspections, and licensing accounts are all untrue. It also said TABC laws, rules, licensing requirements, product restrictions, inspection requirements, and enforcement practices remain in effect.
The notice does not say how the email was sent.
What does Tennessee law still require?
The fake email claimed to override 2025 Public Chapter 526, the state law that governs hemp-derived products. That law is still in place, along with the rest of Tennessee’s rules.
- Product limits: Hemp products must stay at or under 0.3% total THC by dry weight, and total THC includes THCa (Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-7-102).
- Kratom: Selling kratom has been a Class C felony in Tennessee since July 1, 2026. Possessing it is a Class A misdemeanor (2026 Public Chapter 950).
- Licenses: A retailer or supplier license lasts one year and can be renewed each year (§ 57-7-106).
- Inspections: The law directs the TABC to carry out random, unannounced inspections (§ 57-7-105).
What should a hemp business do?
Treat the email as fake and keep operating under the rules that were in place on Friday. Anyone with a question about a license or account can call the TABC at 615-741-1602.
What does this mean for customers?
Nothing changed for shoppers either. You still have to be 21 to buy hemp-derived products in Tennessee, and the same product limits still apply.
Frequently asked questions
Were Tennessee’s hemp restrictions lifted on October 31, 2026?
No. The TABC says the email making that claim is fraudulent and that its product restrictions remain in effect.
Is kratom legal to sell in Tennessee?
No. Under 2026 Public Chapter 950, selling kratom in Tennessee is a Class C felony. A hemp license does not change that.
Were TABC licensing accounts deleted?
The TABC says the claim that accounts were deleted is untrue. If you have trouble logging in, you can call the agency at 615-741-1602.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hemp regulations vary by state and change frequently. Consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.