Texas Senator Tries New Tactics to Restrict Hemp After Ban Fails in Legislature

Texas State Senator Charles Perry is making a new move to tighten the screws on the state’s hemp market. After his legislative attempts to ban THC-heavy hemp products hit a wall—including a veto from Governor Abbott—Perry is now calling on state agencies to bypass the legislature. He’s pushing the Department of Agriculture and Health Services to adopt emergency rules that would require testing for "total THC," including THCA. This shift would effectively reclassify much of the flower currently found in Texas head shops as illegal marijuana, closing what he calls a "loophole" in the current law.

For the Texas cannabis community, this is a major development to track. If these agencies comply, it could significantly shrink the variety and availability of legal hemp products that many enthusiasts rely on for accessibility and wellness. While the state has already moved to a 21+ age limit for hemp purchases, this proposed change targets the products themselves. It’s a reminder of why staying informed and active in local policy is essential to protecting our community's access to the plant.