Marijuana industry

Marijuana remains completely illegal in Kansas. On Wednesday, KBI and local law enforcement raided smoke and vape shops in Concordia, McPherson, Pratt, Salina, Topeka and Wichita accused of illegal retail drug sales.

Texas' governor issued an executive order Wednesday mandating age restrictions on consumable hemp products containing THC. This comes after Abbott's veto earlier this year of legislation that would have banned the products outright.

Texas lawmakers ended their second special session without regulating or banning hemp.

Senate Bill 3, which was championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, could have cost tens of thousands of people their jobs. Abbott said he would call a special session to debate the legislation further.

It's an unusual situation for the lieutenant governor, long viewed by GOP activists as a stalwart conservative responsible for driving the Legislature rightward.

The House granted its final approval to the amended version of Senate Bill 3 Thursday evening. It now goes back to the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has indicated it is sure to pass, then on to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.

The House on Wednesday approved the ban, after previously considering proposals to preserve the industry by tightening regulations.

Advocacy groups consider the move harassment of business owners. Cannabis products are legal in Kansas only with very small amounts of hemp-derived THC.

Sales soared during the first week recreational recreational marijuana was legal and dispensaries in small towns near the Texas state line did big business.

Loopholes in state residency requirements have led to an influx of out-of-state investment through ‘ghost owners.’