The sale of intoxicating hemp flower and vaporizer products is now prohibited in Texas under new rules that took effect on March 31, KUT reports.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) adopted the rule changes in early March when officials approved the agency’s final hemp product regulations.
The state now restricts THCA content in hemp products, which previously did not count toward the 0.3% federal limit on delta-9 THC. While THCA itself is non-intoxicating, it converts to delta-9 THC during the decarboxylation process, which happens when the cannabinoid is heated, smoked, or vaporized. The change only affects hemp product sales, not possession, but it targets nearly all of the hemp-derived flower, pre-roll, and vaporizer products previously available in the state.
Other changes under the new regime include significantly higher licensing fees for hemp product retailers and manufacturers. Hemp manufacturer licensing costs have increased from about $250 to $10,000 for both the initial and the annual renewal fees, while the licensing and renewal fees for hemp product retailers have increased from $155 to $5,000.
The rules also tighten packaging and testing requirements for hemp THC products that remain available, including infused edibles and beverages.
