Texas hemp showdown: judge blocks smokable ban, leaves fees in place

A Travis County judge issued a two-week temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of Texas DSHS rules that ban the sale of smokable hemp and alter THC calculations, effectively keeping smokable products on shelves for now while allowing the higher retailer and manufacturer fees to stand. The lawsuit argues the rules exceed the agency’s authority and could force hundreds of businesses to close; a hearing on longer-term relief is set for April 23 at 9 a.m.