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Texas Implements New THC Rules Banning Delta-8 Products as Industry Groups Seek Legal Relief

Texas has officially implemented new hemp regulations that classify delta-8 THC products as controlled substances, effectively banning their sale and possession across the state. The rules, which took effect on Friday, were established after a years-long legal battle and were upheld by the Texas Supreme Court. While products containing delta-9 THC remain legal, the ban impacts hemp-derived products like delta-8 flower and prerolls that have been common in smoke shops and gas stations for years. Industry leaders, such as Mark Bordas, have expressed concern over the potential economic impact on the state's $11 billion-a-year hemp industry. Some retailers, like Estella Castro, have already begun making decisions about their business models to adapt to the changes. Meanwhile, James Talarico, a Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, criticized the ban as a gift to drug cartels, arguing that consumers will simply turn to the black market. Talarico also referenced a quote from President Trump regarding the need to end needless arrests for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

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