A popular cannabis product in Texas seems to be disappearing from physical and digital shelves.
Cannabis businesses that have been legally selling products with .3% or less delta-9 THC — which is considered hemp in the Lone Star State — appear to be shying away from THCa, which transforms to THC when heated.
Austin, Texas-based cannabis business Hometown Hero is one of several brands that seems to be distancing itself from THCa, a product it used to sell.
When asked by LoneStarLive.com if they have been removing THCa products and if doing so stemmed from the recent smoke shop raids in Allen, Texas, Hometown Hero’s chief strategy officer, Cynthia Cabrera, issued the following statement:
“We previously offered a limited selection of THCa flower options but decided to refocus those resources on our core products, including confections like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, as well as disposable vapes.
“Additionally, despite the legality of THCA-infused flowers and concentrates under the 2018 Farm Bill, there remains caution in our industry due to certain ambiguities and potential legal risks when it comes to THCA, especially the testing of these non-psychoactive cannabinoids, creating confusion among law enforcement in Texas.”
The move also comes at a time when states like California are moving to ban “intoxicating” hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-9 edibles.
Though Hometown Hero acknowledged it doesn’t sell its products in California, Cabrera said, “Governor Newsom’s emergency regulations have effectively imposed a near-total ban on hemp-derived cannabinoids in the state.
“These rules deny adult consumers and veterans access to safe, regulated products. Instead, they will drive demand to an unregulated, illicit market, which history has shown to be both ineffective and harmful. Without proper safety standards or government oversight, this approach risks doing far more harm than good for Californians.”
The legality of hemp-derived cannabis products in Texas is currently under review. Hometown Hero’s ongoing court battle with the Texas Department of State Health Services, which paved the way for the sale of consumable hemp products like delta-8, is now with the Texas Supreme Court.
The state filed its brief with the court on the merits of the case on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Thanks to an extension, Hometown Hero has until Thursday, Oct. 10, to submit its brief outlining what it believes to be the rights and wrongs of the case.
Some cannabis businesses in Texas are making moves to ensure they are within the bounds of state law. Read More