🚨 Tennessee’s HB 0072: Harsh New Rules on Hemp Sales to Under‑21s
Starting July 1, 2025, Tennessee’s HB 0072 makes it illegal to:
- Sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products (like CBD gummies or Delta‑8) to anyone under 21
- Allow employees under 21 to handle or sell these products
- Face a minimum 48‑hour jail sentence and a $500 fine for violations
This change aligns hemp products with alcohol regulations, pushing serious responsibility onto retailers.
Why Tennessee is doing this
Lawmakers explain hemp cannabinoids can pose “serious risk to children’s health and development” and that HB 0072 aims to keep them out of schools and minors’ hands.
HB 0072 Compliance FAQs
|
Key Question |
Answer |
|
Is the law active now? |
No—HB 0072 becomes law on July 1, 2025. |
|
Who can handle hemp products? |
Only employees 21 or older. Under-21 staff must be strictly excluded from handling or selling them. |
|
What are penalties? |
A 48-hour minimum jail sentence + $500 fine for selling to under-21s. |
How a Minor Decliner ID Scanner Helps You Stay Fully Compliant
1. 🔍 Accurate Age Verification
Minor Decliner scanners instantly read state IDs and flag anyone under 21—ensuring compliance at the point of sale and employee eligibility checks.
2. 🛑 Block Fake or Expired IDs
Advanced technology detects expired or counterfeit IDs, preventing intentional or accidental underage sales.
3. 📝 Audit Trails for Defense
Scans are logged with timestamps. If you're wrongly accused, you can demonstrate you performed an ID check—vital for protecting against fines or legal action.
4. ⚡ Faster Service, Happier Customers
Automated verification is quicker and less error-prone than manual checks, reducing friction during checkout while keeping customers compliant.
5. 📱 Multi‑Format and Mobile Flexibility
Minor Decliner offers options from countertop to mobile or door units, perfect for retail yards or entrances—ensuring only eligible staff handle hemp products.
Final Take
HB 0072 puts strict legal obligations on Tennessee hemp retailers—even your youngest staff must be over 21. With automatic age verification, fake ID detection, and audit-log trails, the Minor Decliner scanner is a powerful tool to protect your business, your team, and your bottom line under the new law.
