The Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee will meet Tuesday in Austin to hear invited testimony on THC’s links to psychotic disorders, mental health emergency detentions and rising health care costs. The interim study is expected to produce recommendations on hemp-derived products before lawmakers return for the 2027 legislative session.
The hearing comes as the state’s consumable hemp market faces scrutiny on multiple fronts. While new Department of State Health Services regulations remain tied up in court, the committee’s findings could shape legislation affecting Texas hemp retailers next session.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick assigned the interim charge in March. It directs the committee to examine “the impact of THC on increased health care costs, mental health emergency detentions, and the risk of being diagnosed with a THC-induced psychotic disorder” and to recommend ways to reduce health care and criminal justice costs, according to the hearing notice.
The public will not be allowed to testify during the hearing, though written comments will be accepted. The Texas Hemp Business Council advised members to mail submissions by July 1 to ensure they arrived before the hearing.
The hearing also comes as litigation continues over DSHS hemp regulations that took effect March 31. The rules count THCA as 88% delta-9 THC, effectively prohibiting most smokable hemp flower, while increasing annual licensing fees from $150 to $5,000 per retail location and from $250 to $10,000 for manufacturers.
Daniella Deseta Lyttle blocked four of the rules May 1. The Fifteenth Court of Appeals reinstated them June 5, but DSHS has not announced whether it will enforce the regulations while the case remains pending. Agency spokesperson Lara Anton told KUT that DSHS is still determining how to proceed because there has not been a final court ruling.
According to Whitney Economics estimates cited by KUT, smokable products account for more than half of Texas hemp sales. Lukas Gilkey, CEO of Hometown Hero and a founder of the Texas Hemp Business Council, told the outlet the rules would have the greatest impact on smaller retailers.
Texas has pursued hemp regulation through multiple avenues this year. In May, the Texas Supreme Court upheld DSHS authority to keep delta-8 THC on the state’s controlled substances list.
A trial over the DSHS regulations is scheduled for July 27 in Travis County, although KUT reported the date could change. The committee’s recommendations are due before the 90th Texas Legislature convenes in January 2027.