Texas took a significant step to regulate hemp-derived THC products, banning all synthetically created forms of THC under a new law that went into effect Friday.
Local Impact
For San Antonio coffee shop LazyDaze, the change has little impact because the manager said everything it sells is made from natural THC.
“We have had no slowdown in sales whatsoever,” said Alex Cabello, LazyDaze manager. “The space is being filled and utilized for what it was here for, you know, just a safe space, third space for everybody.”
Cabello said the law is a positive step towards better regulation of natural THC products sold in Texas.
“This is just gonna help kind of verify products,” Cabello said. “I think that’s what Texas really needs, more of like a database to have verified, trustworthy products that all stores can carry.”
Statewide Implications
Many Delta-9 edibles and drinks can still be sold under the new law. Smokeable Delta-9 hemp flower also remains available for now, after a court paused a separate ban on those products.
The Department of State Health Services argued hemp-derived THC products should be treated as controlled substances because they are psychoactive drugs.
Cannabis experts said the new law could remove 60% to 90% of THC products from circulation statewide.
Possession of illegal THC products will be treated as a state jail felony, which carries a punishment of 180 days to two years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, cannabis experts said.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
