Texas proposes 13,000% fee hike on hemp THC shops
The Texas Tribune••business
Key Points:
- Texas health officials have proposed raising hemp business licensing fees dramatically, with manufacturer licenses increasing from $250 to $25,000 and retail registrations from $150 to $20,000 annually, potentially shutting down many small operators.
- New testing requirements would limit THC levels in consumable hemp products, effectively banning the use of natural hemp flower in edibles and smokeables, which industry members argue could increase synthetic THC use and eliminate popular products.
- Critics warn that the steep fee hikes and testing rules will force many small businesses out of the legal market, pushing consumers toward unregulated sources, while supporters claim the changes are necessary to improve oversight and protect public health.
- The proposed regulations stem from an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott after the Legislature failed
