Texas Cannabis Shops Face Crisis with New THC Limits

0:00Texas cannabis shops are in crisis mode, with new state rules capping total THC at 0.3%, effectively banning smokeable products, then make up a big chunk of sales. Owners like Estella Castro and Austinite Cannabis Company just had their biggest blowout ever, slashing prices up to 50% to clear inventory. Before everything changes, these rules came after lieutenant governor Dan Patrick pushed hard for a full ban on recreational THC last year, saying it would save a generation. From Addiction Governor Greg Abbott vetoed that outright, but told health officials to draw up these strict limits instead, hitting hemp flour and vape's hardest. Castro's hearing wild stories from customers, like seniors emitting they'll call up old street dealers since legal options are drying up. She worries about the fallout, with the industry supporting 53,000 jobs, in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing across the state. Her shop could lose half its revenue, forcing a pivot to edibles and drinks repackaged

1:01in child-proof gear, but she's giving it just two months before, possibly shutting down for good. Meanwhile, backers of the rules insist it's all about shielding kids from high THC temptations. Owners are playing by the new playbook, even without inspections, but it's squeezing small businesses and loyal buyers right out of the market. This has been El Paso News today, powered by AI.