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New Texas hemp rules may quietly restrict THC manufacturing by limiting raw material inputs. Here’s what businesses need to know.

New Texas hemp rules take effect March 31, 2026. Learn what the DSHS regulatory changes mean for operators, how the upcoming lawsuit may impact enforcement, and what businesses should prepare for next.

As the hemp industry faces increasing regulatory uncertainty, structured compliance systems have never been more important. CRAFT welcomes legal and regulatory advisor David Sergi and introduces the CRAFT Compliance Infrastructure System—a governance-based framework designed to help hemp businesses operate responsibly, defensibly, and inspection-ready.

Texas hemp businesses are stuck in regulatory limbo as DSHS prepares new rules that could impose Total THC standards and wipe out the THCA flower market. Here’s what operators should do to prepare.

CRAFT provides standards-based compliance infrastructure for the hemp and cannabis industry, strengthening workforce certification, documentation systems, and regulatory alignment through proactive, private-sector frameworks.

Texas has extended its emergency hemp rules through March 30, 2026. This regulatory pause is a test — and operators with documented compliance and real standards will shape what comes next.

Kratom has moved from fringe issue to legislative target. Retailers should prepare now as enforcement tolerance shrinks and compliance expectations rise.

On February 6, 2026, the Texas Register published a notice that quietly, but materially, affects every business operating in the Texas hemp marketplace. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has extended the emergency rules governing consumable hemp products. Those rules will now remain in force through March 30, 2026 . Nothing new was added. Nothing was finalized. That fact is the point. By extending temporary authority rather than adopting permanent rules, th

Over the past 24 hours, many in the Texas hemp industry have seen an update circulating about the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and its authority over proposed changes to the consumable hemp rules under 25 TAC Chapter 300. Here’s the plain-language reality, without panic, speculation, or spin. What Changed? Unlike many Texas agencies that operate under a board or commission, HHSC’s Texas hemp rulemaking authority ultimately rests with the HHSC Commissioner

DSHS public comment Texas is shaping the future of hemp regulation statewide and beyond. As the largest hemp market in the country, what happens in Texas influences policy, enforcement, and regulatory direction nationwide. This post explains why participation during the DSHS open comment period matters and how stakeholders can engage responsibly through the Denton Cannabis Policy Forum.

Learn how to submit an effective public comment on Texas DSHS Chapter 300 rules. Step-by-step guidance, official templates, and submission details.

The hemp and cannabis industry is facing a defining regulatory moment. Key decisions are being made through administrative rulemaking and enforcement—often faster than legislation and with far less public visibility. This initiative exists to ensure the industry shows up informed, aligned, and credible when it matters most.

The hemp industry has faced a whirlwind of challenges recently. Headlines about congressional debates, appropriations riders, and executive orders have created a noisy environment filled with uncertainty. Words like "ban" have resurfaced, sparking concern among operators and stakeholders. Yet, beneath the headlines lies a clearer picture: the industry’s future depends on its ability to prove responsible operation through everyday practices. Workforce training emerges as a key

Federal cannabis rescheduling isn’t legalization—it’s a test of whether federal policy can finally align with reality. As contradictions unwind, the cannabis and hemp industries will be judged by standards, workforce training, and documented compliance.

Chasity Wedgeworth lead instructor on CRAFT. Executive Summary For more than fifty years, federal cannabis policy rested on a premise that was widely understood, by scientists, doctors, regulators, courts, and policymakers themselves, to be false: that marijuana has “no accepted medical use.” That assertion, enshrined in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, persisted not because it was credible, but because abandoning it would have required acknowledging that an entir

The holidays are here — and this year, they bring more than just heavy foot traffic. Across Texas, we’re already seeing surprise inspections , increased enforcement, and a renewed push for stricter federal oversight. If SB 3 taught us anything, it’s this: We survive when we’re prepared — and when we stand together. With a federal ban looming and Governor Abbott directing increased surveillance on smoke shops and hemp retailers, this holiday season is not the time to “wing it.

Texans don’t want bans—they want boundaries. CRAFT Strategies is leading the effort to bring order, safety, and accountability to Texas hemp through verified self-regulation. Our framework for 21+ certification, product verification, and transparent auditing proves that responsible retailers can protect youth, build trust, and keep Texas hemp strong without another ban.

CRAFT's Texas Hemp Regulatory Rollout Proposal responds to Executive Order GA-56 with a clear, phased plan under DSHS authority. It emphasizes 21+ sales, public safety messaging, stronger licensing with SOPs, digital compliance, and responsible regulation of flower and pre-rolls. Building on existing programs, it introduces a compliance hub, a Texas Verified Hemp seal, and a study commission to align with federal standards — ensuring Texas leads in safe, credible hemp regulat

Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-56 directs agencies to tighten oversight of hemp products with 21+ sales, stronger labeling, and coordinated enforcement. Importantly, GA-56 does not ban hemp or flower—it emphasizes regulation, not prohibition. CRAFT’s rollout plan aligns with GA-56, calling for public safety messaging, stricter licensing with SOPs, digital compliance, and responsible regulation of smokables. Texas now has the chance to protect youth, support operators, &

Texas call your state representative. We need amendments. This is not a good bill. House Bill 309 was recently filed at the Texas...