Texas Hemp Farming Act of 2019 (HB 1325)

Enacted: June 10, 2019

Purpose: To align Texas law with the federal 2018 Farm Bill by legalizing the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Key Provisions:

• Legalization of Hemp: Defined hemp as Cannabis sativa L. containing ≤0.3% Delta-9 THC, making it an agricultural commodity.

• Regulatory Framework: Authorized the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to oversee hemp production, including licensing, inspections, and compliance with federal standards.

• Consumer Products: Permitted the sale of consumable hemp products, such as CBD, edibles, and beverages, provided they meet the THC limit.

• Smokable Hemp: While the Act legalized the sale of smokable hemp, it prohibited the manufacturing and processing of such products. This led to legal challenges, with courts ruling that smokable hemp products could be sold but not manufactured or processed in Texas. (Baker Institute)

Impact: HB 1325 significantly expanded the hemp industry in Texas, leading to increased farming, manufacturing, and retail opportunities. However, it also created regulatory challenges, particularly concerning smokable hemp products.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or medical professional. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. None of the products are FDA approved.