Cannabis

Texas says new rules banning sales of smokable hemp also apply to out-of-state companies. But cannabis lawyers question the rules and Austin police won't confiscate hemp if you have the packaging.

The KBI and local law enforcement executed raids late last year on smoke and vape shops in Concordia, Montgomery, Abilene, McPherson, Pratt, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.

New state rules change how THC levels are calculated and raise fees on hemp businesses by as much as 4,000%

Hemp advocates say raising annual licensing fees for retailers from $150 to $20,000 and for manufacturers from $250 to $25,000 would shutter small businesses.

The Department of State Health Services is considering new rules for the Texas hemp industry that would require child-resistant packaging, stronger warning labels, sharply higher fees and effectively ban smokeable flower and extracts.

After an attempt to ban THC was vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott last month, the Texas Senate has revived similar legislation in the state's current special session. The chamber held its first hearing Tuesday on Senate Bill 5. The proposal, which is backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, bans THC and puts regulations on products containing CBD and CBG.

On Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott released his official proclamation announcing a special legislative session. Texas lawmakers will be back in Austin starting on July 21. The session, which originally looked like it would focus on regulating THC, now includes several emergency preparedness topics.

Standing before a table full of THC-infused products, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke about two bills that would regulate cannabis derivatives.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said that one of his legislative priorities is to ban all consumable THC products in the state during the upcoming Texas legislative session.

Some Texas lawmakers are contemplating a statewide ban on Delta 8 and 9. These hemp-derived products can produce a marijuana-like high and are currently legally available to purchase in Texas. So are they life-saving medications or a serious threat to public health? On Wednesday, dozens testified for or against a ban before a Texas Senate committee.