TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Texas state officials have are proposing raising licensing fees for some hemp businesses. The new proposal would also significantly limit the inventory shops are legally allowed to carry. The new proposal is part of a larger movement by the Department of State Health Services tightening THC regulations.
Right now, the annual fee for retailers to sell the products is $150. Under the proposal, it would be $20K. At this time, the annual fee to manufacture consumable hemp is $250 per facility; the new proposal would raise that fee to $25K. With the rise in retail fees, it would be a combined increase of over 13,000%.
The proposal would also ban smokable and edible products, significantly limiting inventory and eliminating the use of the hemp flower because it naturally contains higher levels of THC than the new limit. Supporters say this is necessary to strengthen oversight on an industry they say has grown out of control. Small businesses across the state say they’re worried about keeping their doors open.
Right now, it’s unclear when the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will make a final decision on the proposed regulations. The department is accepting public comment on the proposed changes until January 26th.
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