Home / Business and Economy / Texas Hemp Rules in Chaos: DSHS Enforcement Questioned
Texas Hemp Rules in Chaos: DSHS Enforcement Questioned
24 Jun
Summary
- Hemp businesses seek injunction reinstatement due to DSHS's unclear enforcement.
- Allegations claim new hemp rules could cause significant economic harm.
- DSHS representatives reportedly stated key provisions are not enforced.
The Texas Hemp Business Council and other industry plaintiffs have requested the Fifteenth Court of Appeals to reinstate a temporary injunction blocking newly adopted hemp regulations. This action comes as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is accused of taking conflicting stances on enforcing crucial provisions. The plaintiffs argue that this inconsistency, particularly regarding a total THC compliance standard and increased licensing fees, creates significant uncertainty for hemp businesses.
Allegations presented in a recent motion suggest that DSHS representatives have indicated certain provisions are not currently being enforced. This has led to what industry attorneys describe as "regulatory whiplash" and "administrative entrapment," due to a lack of clear compliance standards. The industry fears substantial economic repercussions, including business closures, job losses, and reduced consumer access to hemp products, if the regulations proceed without clear enforcement.
The appeal aims to restore the temporary injunction, at least for the parties involved in the lawsuit, until the court can thoroughly examine the merits of the case. The motion, filed in the Fifteenth Court of Appeals under case number No. 15-26-00099-CV, seeks to provide essential regulatory stability and prevent detrimental reliance while the appeal is pending.
