Fraudulent Email Falsely Claimed Tennessee Lifted THCA Hemp Restrictions

Fraudulent Email Targeted Tennessee Hemp Retailers

An email that appeared to have been sent Saturday by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission claiming to lift all restrictions on THCA and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products was fraudulent, WKRN reports. The message told retailers that shops were allowed to resume sales of all hemp-derived cannabinoids, including flower, edibles, beverages, and inhalable products.

The email also claimed to have authorized the retail sale of kratom products and said that routine inspections were no longer mandatory. Hours after the email was sent, Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Association officials said the agency had been “hacked.”

The commission has not yet determined how the email was sent out. The false message also claimed that TABC licensing accounts had been deleted.

Commission Warns Retailers to Disregard the Message

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission responded with a direct warning to retailers. “The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has learned that a fraudulent email was distributed today that falsely appeared to come from TABC,” the commission said in an email to retailers.

The commission stated that none of the claims in the message were true. “Please disregard the fraudulent message. Do not click any links, reply to it, or rely on its contents,” the commission said in its email to retailers.

The agency confirmed that its existing framework remains fully in force. “TABC’s laws, rules, licensing requirements, product restrictions, inspection requirements, and enforcement practices remain in effect,” the commission said in the email. “We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your attention to this matter.”

Background on Tennessee Hemp Regulations

Tennessee lawmakers earlier this year approved regulations drafted by TABC that created a tiered licensing system, strict packaging and dosage caps, and mandatory product testing. The state also adopted new rules around THCA, which took effect in July.

Those rules remain the governing law for hemp-derived cannabinoid products in the state despite the fraudulent email’s claims. Retailers must continue to comply with all licensing, testing, and inspection requirements.

The commission has not said when it expects to determine how the fraudulent email was distributed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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