Texas farmers are going to be able to start growing hemp statewide.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Monday allowing it, but this doesn’t mean people can start growing hemp right away.
Hemp contains low levels of the psychoactive element in marijuana – THC. Products made from hemp are legal to sell and consume in Texas, but farmers were prohibited from growing the plant. Hemp growing was legalized at the federal level in December 2018.
HB 1325 passed unanimously in the House and Senate before it was sent to the governor’s desk. The bill will allow farmers to pay a fee to get a growing license and pay for testing and inspections as part of a regulatory framework. Local law enforcement would have access to growing premises.
Next step is for Texas to figure out regulations for local farmers.
