AUSTIN (KXAN) — A GOP state lawmaker is pushing for Texas to clarify its rules on THC products derived from hemp flower, citing concerns over a legal loophole.
State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) is advocating for Texas agencies to align with federal THC regulations. He has called on the Texas Departments of Agriculture and Health Services to update the definition of ‘acceptable hemp THC level’ to include both THC and THCA content.
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“Please update the definition of ‘acceptable hemp THC level’ to account for the total available THC derived from the sum of the THC and THCA content in a tested sample,” Perry wrote in letters to the state departments.
Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, it also contains THCA, which does not cause a high unless activated by heat.
Some consumable hemp products on the market boast THCA concentrations of 15 to 30%, significantly higher than the 0.3% threshold for Delta-9 THC.
Earlier this year, Perry authored legislation to ban hemp-derived THC products. Instead, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order to regulate these products.
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told KXAN he is waiting to see if other Texas leaders support Perry’s request to change the definition of acceptable hemp THC levels.
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