recreational pot sales

Members of the hemp industry are suing Texas, claiming that the ban on hemp-derived THC products impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.

Texas will ban hemp products containing certain intoxicating cannabinoids starting July 31, and local businesses are feeling the strain — and even closing.

Attorneys for hemp businesses say the raids have hurt their revenue and reputation, while police said they’re necessary to root out products with illegal levels of THC.

Texas' highest civil court is set to hear and rule on cases dealing with several hot-button issues, including hemp, gender-affirming care and the state's ban on abortions after detection of cardiac activity.

The age limit is expected to go into effect Tuesday after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved the rule. Enforcement won't begin until Oct. 1.

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

Here's what we're watching this week at the Legislature.

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.

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