Starting a Side Hustle as a Sole Proprietorship in Texas

A sole proprietorship is an entrepreneur’s simplest business structure in Texas. While there are benefits to consider in the strengthened protection of a limited liability company or a corporation, people starting “side-hustles” often begin with a sole proprietorship. This simple method allows the new business owner to dip their feet into the pool. Some–through inertia or strategy–may simply continue the structure as the business grows. 

The sole proprietorship initiation process lacks the layers of legal requirements standard in other business structures, but it does involve several steps that business owners should follow. A local law firm, like Ritter Spencer, can help new entrepreneurs successfully start a sole proprietorship in Texas. Read below to learn how to take the first step in your sole proprietorship. 

Ritter Spencer, PLLCStarting a Side Hustle as a Sole Proprietorship in Texas
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The Differences Between Marijuana Legalization and Marijuana Decriminalization

As marijuana laws change nationwide, buzzwords such as “legalization” and “decriminalization” arise in the national discourse. State and local governments debate legalization and decriminalization, which may lead to confusion in distinguishing the two terms. In the context of manufacturing and selling cannabis products, decriminalization and legalization have vastly different implications. Since states have different standards for the legality of marijuana, it is important to know the difference between decriminalization and legalization to avoid conflict and confusion when examining your state’s marijuana laws.

Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Differences Between Marijuana Legalization and Marijuana Decriminalization
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Southern Hostility: Southern States’ Stances on Marijuana

Northern and western regions of the U.S. have propelled the national marijuana reform movement in recent years. From the passing of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to new developments by The New York Cannabis Control Board, northern states continue to lead recent charges in marijuana legalization.  But for a few exceptions, the Southern states continue to lag woefully behind. 

Southern states have displayed greater resistance to marijuana reform than their northern counterparts. But as the demand for cannabis legalization grows nationally, southern state legislators are taking small steps toward alleviating marijuana restrictions. Read on to explore the South’s stance on the legalization of marijuana state by state.

Ritter Spencer, PLLCSouthern Hostility: Southern States’ Stances on Marijuana
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The Differences Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC

As the cannabis community grows throughout the United States, more consumers seek the benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) products. Two of the most prevalent forms of THC on the market today are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC (“Δ8THC and Δ9THC”)

Δ8THC and Δ9THC present differences in their chemical makeup, impact on the user, production, and legality. Learn more about the key differences between Δ8THC and Δ9THC below. 

Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Differences Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC
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3 Things to Know About Bankruptcy Fraud

Filing for bankruptcy should pave the way to a fresh start, but the possibility of bankruptcy fraud dramatically clouds the path toward financial freedom and can allow the debtor’s creditors to recover assets that may have been retained. Read below to discover three essential aspects of bankruptcy fraud and connect with Ritter Spencer to work with bankruptcy experts.

Ritter Spencer, PLLC3 Things to Know About Bankruptcy Fraud
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Are Hybrid Marijuana Strains Legal?

As hybrid marijuana strains become more prevalent throughout the cannabis community, it’s important to discuss the anatomy, use, and legality of the most common strains. Though many are familiar with the two marijuana strains, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, it’s crucial to recognize the role of hybrids as well. Read below for a full assessment of the structure and legal status of hybrid marijuana strains in the cannabis industry.

Ritter Spencer, PLLCAre Hybrid Marijuana Strains Legal?
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Conditional Adult Use Licenses and Dispensaries: Everything You Need to Know

As the cannabis business expands across the nation, many states have set unique regulations concerning dispensaries, licenses, production, and manufacturing. The concept of conditional adult-use dispensaries has garnered the attention of those in the marijuana community, specifically after the Cannabis Control Board of New York drafted the application process for conditional adult-use retail license applications. 

Traditional retail licenses can be confusing for those interested in pursuing marijuana entrepreneurship, let alone conditional adult-use dispensaries and permits. At Ritter Spencer, we recognize the importance of being familiar with emerging trends within the marijuana industry. Read below to learn more about conditional use dispensaries.

Ritter Spencer, PLLCConditional Adult Use Licenses and Dispensaries: Everything You Need to Know
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The Evolution of the Texas Compassionate Use Program

In 2015, the Texas Legislature enacted the Texas Compassionate Use Act, Senate Bill 339, establishing the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). Under TCUP, the Texas Department of Public Safety (“DPS”) would create a secure registry for licensed physicians to prescribe low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) medical marijuana to patients suffering from intractable epilepsy. 

The registry, known as the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (“CURT”), prevents more than one qualified physician from registering as the prescriber for a single patient, verifies patients of low-THC cannabis for dispensing organizations, and allows physicians to input safety and efficacy data derived from their patients who have been prescribed low-THC cannabis. 

Since its establishment, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (“TCUP”) has vastly expanded, with significant developments in 2019 and 2021.

Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Evolution of the Texas Compassionate Use Program
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Texas Supreme Court Maintains Ban on Smokable Hemp Processing and Manufacturing

On Friday, July 1st, 2022, the Texas Supreme Court unanimously reinstated the statutory ban on the processing and manufacturing of smokable hemp products. The Texas Supreme Court found that the hemp companies involved in the challenge had no constitutionally protected right of economic liberty in their chosen profession of smokable hemp processing and manufacturing. Previously, the trial court found the statutory ban to be unconstitutional and entered a permanent injunction against state enforcement of the ban after a lower court rejected the ban in 2019. Read below to learn more about this continued prohibition on smokable hemp and its history. 

Ritter Spencer, PLLCTexas Supreme Court Maintains Ban on Smokable Hemp Processing and Manufacturing
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Tips for Overcoming a Copyright Denial

Copyright registration is a monumental step in securing creative work. Common law copyright automatically goes into effect to protect artistic works, but registering for copyright goes a step further and allows an owner of a creative work to obtain exclusive authorship rights. When the United States Copyright Office denies a copyright registration request, it can feel devastating. With the help of experienced copyright lawyers, such as the attorneys at Ritter Spencer, individuals and organizations denied a copyright can receive guidance to appeal and resubmit the work for review. 

Ritter Spencer, PLLCTips for Overcoming a Copyright Denial
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