Banning of THCA potentially blows $110 million hole in Tennessee’s budget

Tennessee Republican lawmakers banned smokable hemp products like THCA starting in July, leading to projected $110 million loss over a year. This ban prompted critics to argue for the 'pot for potholes' measure, which would legalize marijuana use by people 21 and older and dedicate a 15% tax on sales toward highway infrastructure. Officials had previously reduced hemp tax collection projections by $55 million for the 2025-26 budget.