Hemp

A federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products is expected to go into effect in November. It could eliminate the most profitable market for farmers who grow hemp.

More than 6,000 Texas smoke shops and related businesses could be forced to shut down if the ban goes into effect next November as scheduled. The industry is organizing a lobbying effort to get Congress to rewrite the law from a blanket prohibition to a regulatory approach.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission held a public meeting for comments on new rules proposed to regulate the sale of hemp products in Texas. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports the proposed rules prohibit TABC licensees from selling consumable hemp products to anyone under the age of 21. Lubbock Animal Services is encouraging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated after observing an increase in upper respiratory infections in dogs in the shelter and in the community.

The issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

From The Texas Standard: On the morning of August 28, 2019, Todd Smith was running late for a meeting. It would be a busy few days for Smith, a lobbyist,…