The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has finalized new hemp regulations that significantly reduce licensing fees for manufacturers and retailers while maintaining a strict "total THC" testing requirement. While the lower fees are seen as a victory for affordability, advocates warn that including THCA in THC limits will criminalize most hemp flower and shift a large portion of the legal market to illicit operators. The update also includes progress in the state's medical cannabis program and highlights a disconnect between restrictive state policies and voter support for broader legalization.

Texas Releases Revised Hemp Rules with Strict Total THC Limits and Lower Fees

Mar 9, 2026

Source:

Kyle Jaeger

Marijuana Moment

Texas is shaking things up with new hemp regulations that are a bit of a mixed bag for the local cannabis community. On the bright side, advocates scored a major win by pushing the state to slash licensing fees—retailer costs dropped from $20,000 to $5,000, making it much easier for small shops to stay in the game. However, the state is sticking to a strict "total THC" testing rule that counts THCA toward the 0.3% limit. This essentially outlaws most hemp flower, which could push a huge chunk of the legal market back into the shadows.

On a more positive note, the state's medical program is actually expanding with more licenses on the way, and recent polling shows Texas voters are way ahead of their politicians when it comes to supporting full legalization. For regular users, this means legal shop options might get slimmer and more expensive due to the new testing hurdles. It’s a classic case of one step forward, two steps back, but the drop in fees shows that when the community speaks up, officials actually listen.