Texas seeks permission to enforce smokable-hemp ban

Texas officials want to enforce a ban on smokable hemp that has been on hold since September.

According to Law360, the Texas Department of State Health Services told a three-judge state appeals court Thursday that it should be cleared to enforce a 2020 legislative rule that laid out a smokable hemp ban.

Four hemp businesses sued over the rule, saying the health department went too far.

At issue is whether the law banning the manufacture and processing of smokable hemp includes a ban on the retail sale and distribution of such products.

A judge placed an injunction on the rule in September, preventing its enforcement until the lawsuit could be settled. The businesses went to court in March, but a ruling has not been released.