Overview
- Texas health regulators began enforcing the new hemp rules Tuesday, using a “total THC” standard that counts THCA and effectively halts in‑state sales of flower, pre‑rolls, vapes, and most concentrates.
- Possession rules do not change under state law, and stores can still sell edibles and THC drinks that meet the 0.3% delta‑9 limit with upgraded testing, labeling, child‑resistant packaging, and a 21+ purchase age.
- Retailers spent the day clearing shelves, with some closures reported and others warning losses of 30% to 75% of sales as annual fees jump to $5,000 per shop and $10,000 per manufacturer from a few hundred dollars.
- A Travis County suit filed March 17 by Boomtown Vapor challenges DSHS authority, and industry groups say they will seek fast injunctions as DSHS rejects a mail‑order carve‑out and cannabis lawyers call out‑of‑state shipping a legal gray area.
- DSHS says higher fees will fund more inspections and testing, while enforcement on the ground remains patchy as police struggle to distinguish hemp from marijuana and buyers may turn to out‑of‑state sellers or unregulated markets.