The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is warning that a fake email sent Saturday morning, Halloween, falsely claimed the agency had lifted restrictions on hemp-derived products. The commission says none of it is true.
The message arrived on what looked like official TABC letterhead. It claimed all product-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoid products had been lifted, that retail sale of kratom was authorized and that routine inspections were no longer mandatory. It also claimed no further permit was needed and that TABC licensing accounts had been deleted. It was signed with the name of the commission's executive director.
The commission's response
TABC quickly said the email was fake. Aaron Rummage, the agency's director of legislation, policy and communication, told Chattanoogan.com that all restrictions and inspections remain in place. He asked recipients to disregard the fraudulent message, which he said came from an unidentified outside party, and said the commission had sent a follow-up message to people affected.
In its notice, the commission said its laws, rules, licensing requirements, product restrictions, inspection requirements and enforcement practices remain in effect. It told recipients not to click any links, not to reply and not to rely on the contents, and apologized for the confusion.
Why it matters to retailers
Tennessee has tightened rules on hemp-derived products, and the fake email referred to a law known as Public Chapter 526 and to product rules that took effect July 1, 2026. A retailer who acted on the message could have stocked or sold products that remain restricted, or skipped an inspection that is still required.
What to do
Business owners who received the message can contact TABC at 615-741-1602 or through the commission's help desk. As a general rule, confirm any surprising regulatory announcement through the agency's official website or by phone before acting, and be wary of emails that urge quick action or ask for clicks.
The commission has not said who sent the email.
Sources: Chattanoogan.com, Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission statements as reported by Chattanoogan.com