Texas Judge Halts Hemp-Product Ban Amid Legal Challenge

A Texas district judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order delaying enforcement of new rules that would restrict hemp-derived products like smokable THCA flower, in a lawsuit arguing regulators overstepped their authority by bypassing lawmakers. The pause lets the broader case proceed as plaintiffs challenge a post-decarboxylation “total delta-9 THC” calculation; a hearing on a longer injunction is set for April 23. The suit also targets steep new licensing fees, while Texas moves forward with medical cannabis licensing expansion and public polls show Texans divided on cannabis policy.