Hemp THC licensing in Republican states

What does it take to get a license to sell regulated intoxicating hemp in GA, TN, WV, and AL — states that had wide-open THC sales like NC now: Personal qualifications and fees. 

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From Gemini A.I.

Getting a license to sell “intoxicating” hemp products (like Delta-8 or Delta-10 [and Delta-9 — PO) has become more regulated in the South recently. As of 2026, most of these states have shifted oversight to their Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) boards or Department of Agriculture, requiring specific licenses and background checks.

Below is the breakdown for the four states you requested.

1. Georgia

Georgia regulates “consumable hemp” through the Department of Agriculture (GDA).

  • License Type: Retail Consumable Hemp Establishment License.
  • Fees: $250 annually per retail location.
  • Personal Qualifications:
    • Background Check: Required for all “key participants.” Applicants must not have a felony conviction related to a controlled substance in the last 10 years.
    • Age: Must be 21+ to purchase, but the state allows individuals under 21 to be employees (though they cannot be the license holder).
  • Notable Rules: Your store cannot be within 500 feet of a K-12 school. You must also display a specific warning sign in letters at least 0.5 inches high.

2. Tennessee

As of January 1, 2026, oversight has transitioned to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

  • License Type: Retailer License (for hemp-derived cannabinoids).
  • Fees:
    • Application Fee: $500.
    • Annual License Fee: $1,000 per location.
  • Personal Qualifications:
    • Background Check: A nationwide criminal background check (via TBI/FBI) is required for the person legally responsible for operations.
    • Financial Barrier: Wholesalers have high financial requirements ($750,000 bond/credit), but retailers primarily face the increased per-location fees.
  • Notable Rules: Products must be stored behind a physical barrier unless the store is 21+ only. Sales must be face-to-face (no vending machines or self-checkout).

3. Alabama

Alabama significantly tightened rules with House Bill 445, effective January 1, 2026. Oversight is now under the Alabama ABC Board.

  • License Type: Consumable Hemp Products Specialty Retailer License.
  • Fees: * Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable).
    • License Fee: $1,000 annually per location.
  • Personal Qualifications:
    • Background Check: Required for every “key participant” in the company.
    • Clean Record: Must provide a criminal background report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
  • Notable Rules: Violations are severe; a third offense is a Class C felony and results in permanent loss of your business license.

4. West Virginia

West Virginia is generally more affordable but requires strict product registration.

  • License Type: Hemp Retailer Registration.
  • Fees: * Establishment Fee:$100 annually per retail location.
    • Product Fee: $200 per product (SKU) registered with the state (reduced to $100 if grown/made in WV).
  • Personal Qualifications:
    • Responsible Party: You must designate a “Responsible Authority” who is the primary point of contact.
    • Tax Compliance: You must provide a “Letter of Good Standing” from the West Virginia State Tax Division.
    • Background Check: Generally required for the handler/owner; a drug-related felony in the last 10 years is a disqualifier.

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