Texas THC Ban 2026: Hemp Rules, Medical Program & What's Next

Texas hemp shops got less than 30 days to comply with new THC rules, and retail registration fees jumped from $150 to $5,000 per location. Sarah Todd, Director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, explains what changed in 2026 and what's still legal to buy.

Sarah walks through the two big decisions of 2026. First, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that DSHS can list synthetic THC as a Schedule I substance. Second, new DSHS consumable hemp rules count THCA toward the 0.3% total THC limit. That takes most smokable flower off the shelf, while compliant edibles and drinks remain. She also covers the fee jump for small businesses, the expanded Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), and priorities heading into the 2027 legislative session.

As of Oct 2026: the DSHS hemp rules took effect March 31, 2026, and parts of them are being challenged in court. Retail registration is now $5,000 per location (was $150) and manufacturer licenses are $10,000 (was $250), before the Texas.gov online fee. Federal hemp changes take effect Nov. 12 and Dec. 11, 2026. This episode is general information, not legal advice. Check Texas DSHS for current rules: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/consumable-hemp-program

Guest: Sarah Todd, Director, Texas Cannabis Policy Center
Host: Justin McKenzie, The Building Texas Show

Texas Cannabis Policy Center: https://texascannabispolicy.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txmjpolicy/
X: https://www.x.com/TxMJPolicy

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UR3x9Xe6Pj4
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0:00 Fees jumped to $5,000 and $10,000
1:09 The two big 2026 decisions
3:28 Why smokable flower is hardest to comply with
3:42 Impact on small businesses
4:47 Medical marijuana (TCUP) expansion
6:22 Positioning for the 2027 session
7:10 Where to follow the Texas Cannabis Policy Center