Texas Hemp Growers Sue Over New THC Rules

0:00It's April 8th. Welcome to El Paso News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Texas Hem Growers and Businesses just filed a lawsuit against state health agencies seeking a quick block on tough new rules for THC products from HIMP. The Texas Hem Business Council and HIMP industry farmers of America lead the charge, naming the Department of State Health Services, Health and Human, Services Commission, and Attorney General Ken Paxton as targets. These restrictions kicked in on March 31st, hiking fees and adding strict packaging and testing mandates. Manufacturers now face license fees jumping from $250 to $10,000 per spot, while retailers pay $5,000. Instead of $150, the suit argues these moves clashed with the 2019 law that legalized HIMP, saying agencies overstep their power by rewriting legislative choices. Industry folks back some safety steps like age checks and consumer safeguards,

1:00but they draw the line at rules that go too far and hurt small. Operators, higher costs could squeeze out family farms and local shops, making it harder to compete. State heavyweights like Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick push hard against what they call kid-targeted marijuana knockoffs fueling these crackdowns. Amid a national hemp boom, as courts weigh in, the HIMP scene hangs in limbo with businesses bracing for more battles over balancing rules and growth.