Federal lawmakers approved Farm Bill language that would prohibit most hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products nationwide, a move that could affect more than 6,000 smoke shops and hemp-related businesses in Texas if the measure takes effect in November 2025.
The proposed provision targets intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids sold under interpretations of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis.
Industry groups said the new language would extend beyond delta-9 THC and restrict products containing delta-8 THC and other similar cannabinoids currently sold by Texas retailers.
Texas hemp businesses and trade associations said they have begun organizing outreach efforts to members of Congress to seek revisions to the proposed language before final passage.
Industry representatives said they support a regulatory framework that would set limits on potency, age access, labeling and testing standards rather than a broad prohibition.
Trade groups said they are compiling data on employment, tax contributions and business activity linked to hemp-derived THC products to present to federal lawmakers.
