Texas Hemp Industry Faces Court Delay, Market at Risk

0:00It's April 23rd, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Dallas News Today, local news powered by AI, Texas Hemp Industries facing a big delay in court, pushing back a key hearing from April 23rd to at least April 28th. At stake are the state's total THC rules and huge licensing fee jumps that could wipe out this $5.5 billion market. Right now, the band's on hold giving businesses a short breather. The new rules redefine the 0.3% THC limit to include THCA, basically outlawing raw hemp flour and pre-rolls since it turns into. Intoxicating Delta 9 THC when heated. Fees are skyrocketing too, from $250 to $10,000 per spot, which critics call in illegal tax. Thousands of businesses are holding their breath, waiting to know if they'll have to empty shelves or shut down. It's worn of total chaos from this regulatory flip-flop, while state lawyers push back, saying it's all about public safety from these sneaky substances.

1:02The hearing before Judge Maya Guarragamble might stretch to April 30th, covering interstate sales blocks too, where Texas can't ship smokeable. Hemp, out of state, both sides agree to the postpone, keeping operations rolling under the temp injunction. Whatever she rules next week could make or break the whole scene. Every survival hangs on whether these restrictions stick or get shot down for. Good.