cannabis legalization

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.

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.

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.

When Oklahoma voters passed State Question 788 in 2018, things were a little chaotic. People had questions about how pot businesses would grow in the market. And with very little regulation, the number of marijuana businesses exploded. By 2020, Oklahoma had more businesses licensed to sell pot than any other state in the country.

Kansas nearly passed legislation last year that would have legalized cannabis for medical use. If it does so this year, it may be available by early 2024.

Several bills have been filed for the next Texas Legislative session that would decriminalize or legalize the use of marijuana in the state. One state representative said legalization could help to fend off a looming $4.6 billion deficit in Texas.