KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – An East Tennessee-based hemp manufacturer has filed a WARN notice that will result in more than 100 layoffs across the region.
Greenbean Ventures, LLC, headquartered in Johnson City, notified the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development that 121 employees at multiple locations will be impacted. The layoffs are set to take effect July 13 and involve workers who are not represented by a union.
The affected locations span several Northeast Tennessee communities, including Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Greeneville, Erwin, Jonesborough, Elizabethton, Blountville, and Gatlinburg.
Greenbean Ventures is the parent company of Gold Spectrum CBD, one of the state’s largest hemp manufacturers and distributors. Company leadership says the decision comes as Tennessee tightens regulations on hemp-derived products, with all cannabinoid licenses set to expire June 30.
CEO Zack Green says the company plans to relocate operations and roughly $750,000 in payroll to North Carolina, citing limited options under the new rules.
Rapid response teams from regional workforce development agencies have been notified and will assist affected employees.
The layoffs come amid a broader rise in job losses across Tennessee in 2026, with thousands of layoffs already reported statewide this year.
