SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — New hemp regulations in Texas are set to take effect at the end of the month, changing how THC is measured and updating licensing rules.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-56, which was adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The changes are expected to affect hemp retailers across the state.

For local shops like Full Spectrum, the rules could make some of their most popular products illegal after March 31.

“In this industry, THCA products are probably some of the top-selling products for all of us, so you’re literally banning our number one products,” said Allen Kirk, managing partner at Full Spectrum.

According to the Texas Hemp Business Council website, the new regulations include an updated testing process that now counts THCA as part of “Total THC”, the combination of Delta-9 THC and THCA, the natural compound in hemp. This measure determines whether products are legal.

Kirk said if the store has to remove THCA products, which represent 35 to 50 percent of sales, the loss compared with the cost of running the business could make it difficult to stay open.

The new licensing changes required by DSHS also create additional risk for local hemp businesses. “The new hemp license fees are much higher than some alcohol licenses,” Kirk said. “And on top of that, you added a rule that you’re increasing our licensing from $155 to $5,000. That’s going to be hard for us to stay in business.”

Many of the store’s customers, including veterans using THCA products for PTSD, rely on smokeable products because they provide faster relief than gummies or oils. “A smokeable item can provide instant relief, whereas gummies or oils take 45 minutes to an hour and a half to work,” Kirk said.

Kirk also expressed concern about consumer safety. He warned that removing THCA products could drive some customers to unregulated street alternatives. “Customers are going to go back to the street. They’re going to buy sketchy products from sketchy individuals,” Kirk said.

Kirk says he is reviewing his business finances to determine if he can remain viable under the new rules. He also criticized the regulatory focus on THCA. “Some people think it’s addictive. Alcohol, nicotine, and sugars are also addictive, but somehow we’re pinpointing this product,” he said.

Full Spectrum will comply with the new rules, and products like gummies, creams, and topicals that meet the new THC limits will remain available to customers.

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