The USDA approved Texas’ plan to regulate hemp. Before licenses can be issued, though, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) must adopt rules for the regulation of hemp cultivation and manufacturing. Recently, TDA hosted a hearing in Waco to accept public comment relating to their proposed rules. Contact TDA to offer comment on proposed rules via email: [email protected] Separately, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is charged with regulating retail sales of consumable hemp products. Proposed rules have been published and are mostly good, aiming to protect consumers but overstep in restricting sale of “smokable” hemp product. DSHS is expected to publish a revised draft of the rules in February, giving time for more feedback before finalizing in March. Contact DSHS to offer feedback on proposed rules via email [email protected]

In Waco, Texas, many Texas farmers, business owners and advocates met to offer their input on the regulations that are currently under review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Sid Miller introduced the crowd to the team that is working implementing our Texas Hemp and said, “This is like the 1920’s. We are ending prohibition, that is what we are doing. We have lifted the restriction and removed it (hemp) from the forbidden list.” The Commissioner went on to explain that these rules are the skeleton and they will be improving the rules with input. Additionally, Commissioner Miller has an official advisory committee who is also advising him and the team on the best practices. The team showed a short video where the Commissioner offers […]

Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Sid Miller, has announced a public hearing to take public comments on the Texas hemp rules, which were published Friday, Jan. 10, on the Texas Register. The hearing will be held on Jan. 22 at 9 a.m. in Waco, Texas. Read press release. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 @ 9 a.m. Texas Farm Bureau Conference Center 7410 Fish Pond Road Waco, Texas, 76710 The Texas Hemp Program outline has been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is under review.  Once approved and finalized, TDA can begin granting licenses to farmers who want to grow hemp in Texas. View proposed rules are published on the Texas Register. Visit the TDA website here to learn more about Texas hemp rules and upcoming […]

The mission of the Foundation for an Informed Texas (FIT), is to inform Texans about current cannabis laws; the medical, legal, and economic impacts of cannabis in Texas; and the legislative process for reform. Marijuana laws in states around the country are rapidly changing. FIT assists the people of Texas to understand how state and national laws impact them. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to the Foundation for an Informed Texas. Your donations will be applied to: Educational seminars and events hosted across the state Outreach programs focused on reaching out to rural communities as well as seniors, veterans, patients and those affected by prohibition Online resources such as specialty blogs, live streaming of events, and policy analysis Engagement to keep the community educated and updated on […]