Donald Trump signs THC ban, dealing blow to Texas hemp industry

A new federal spending bill signed by President Donald Trump late Wednesday includes a measure that will sharply limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp products, a change that could cripple Texas’ hemp businesses, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The provision, which takes effect next year, restricts THC to no more than 0.4 milligrams per package. The cap would effectively outlaw most hemp-derived edibles, drinks, and smokable items currently sold across the state.

The hemp language was added to the spending package by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and survived a bipartisan effort to strike it. 

The overall deal passed the House 222–209, largely along party lines, after clearing the Senate earlier in the week. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz was one of only two Republicans to vote against the ban, while six House Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo, voted in favor.

Texas lawmakers had previously advanced a similar THC Ban proposal, though Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it earlier this year. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other critics have argued that hemp retailers use loopholes in federal law to market intoxicating products.

It remains unclear how the new federal limit will affect Abbott’s order directing state agencies to set 21-and-up age restrictions on hemp products.

Although Trump has occasionally voiced support for cannabis reform, the Houston Chronicle reports that a White House official told reporters this week that he backs the new THC cap.