Rep. King Files Hemp Production and Regulation Bill: HB 3948

Rep. King Files Hemp Production and Regulation Bill: HB 3948

We anticipate a substitute filing by Representative King that will substantially change some of the language discussed in this blog.

On March 11, 2021, Rep. Tracy King (D) filed HB 3948 that focuses on the regulation and production of hemp and consumable hemp products in Texas. This bill provides administrative penalties, imposes and authorizes fees, and creates criminal offenses. Additionally, the bill covers higher institutions, permissible THC content, additives, synthetics, and more. Below, we’ve summarized this bill to keep you in-the-know with Texas hemp legislation. The Senate version of this bill is SB 1776. 

April 5, 2021 , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCRep. King Files Hemp Production and Regulation Bill: HB 3948
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A Recap of the Establishment of the United States Domestic Hemp Production Program

A Recap of the Establishment of the United States Domestic Hemp Production Program

The United States’ hemp industry is a constant work-in-progress; however, the country has made significant strides in establishing a domestic hemp production program. The United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) recently released its final rule, which has been long-awaited by the hemp community. Read below for a recap of recent progress as a reminder to continue putting forth effort and energy toward uniform cannabis legislation in the United States.

March 8, 2021
Ritter Spencer, PLLCA Recap of the Establishment of the United States Domestic Hemp Production Program
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How to Open a Dispensary in Texas

How to Open a Dispensary in Texas

Although Texas has a medical marijuana program, as established by the Texas Compassionate Use Act in 2015, only three “Dispensing Organizations” have been granted licenses by the Texas Department of Safety (“DPS”) to cultivate, process, and dispense low-THC cannabis (up to a 0.5 percent THC limit as of the date of this blog) in Texas to prescribed patients. See 37 Tex. Admin. Code § 12.1. Texas is a vertically integrated state, meaning that the Dispensing Organization must cultivate, process, package, and dispense the medical marijuana.


December 9, 2020 , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCHow to Open a Dispensary in Texas
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Ritter Spencer Files Lawsuit Challenging Smokable Hemp Bans in Texas

Ritter Spencer Files Lawsuit Challenging Smokable Hemp Bans in Texas

Yesterday, our office filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of State Health Services (“DSHS”) on behalf of our client, Crown Distributing LLC (“Crown”), challenging the smokable hemp bans in Texas. A copy of our filed Petition can be accessed here.

August 6, 2020 , , , , , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCRitter Spencer Files Lawsuit Challenging Smokable Hemp Bans in Texas
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Financial Due Diligence for Hemp-Related Businesses: Banking Update

Financial Due Diligence for Hemp-Related Businesses: Banking Update

In June of 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued updated guidance regarding the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (“BSA/AML”) regulations for hemp-related business consumers. Financial institutions must do their due diligence for customers, but especially for hemp-related businesses, as the legalities and recommended practices are continually changing. Additionally, the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) recently put forth further guidance for credit unions serving hemp-related businesses. As the hemp industry continues to progress, the banking industry is actively organizing their expectations and guidelines to keep up and simplify hemp-related interactions. Below, we summarize each of these resources to give you the straightforward essentials. 

July 29, 2020 , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCFinancial Due Diligence for Hemp-Related Businesses: Banking Update
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DSHS Final Rules

DSHS Final Rules

The Texas Department of State Health Services (“DSHS”) adopted and published its final rules governing the Texas consumable hemp program (the “DSHS Final Rules”) to the Texas Register. The DSHS Final Rules become effective on August 2, 2020. Any potential changes to the statute governing our hemp program will not occur until the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January of 2021.  

To the detriment of many in the Texas hemp industry, the DSHS Final Rules only slightly diverge from the DSHS Proposed Rules. Our prior blog series on the DSHS Proposed Rules provided an in-depth analysis of the proposed DSHS rules. This blog focuses on the changes made by DSHS in the adopted Final Rules. 

July 22, 2020 , , , , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCDSHS Final Rules
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What To Look For In A Hemp Lawyer

What To Look For In A Hemp Lawyer

As the cannabis, hemp, and cannabidiol (CBD) industries continue to boom, legal cannabis businesses often find themselves in need of legal counsel. But how do you choose a hemp lawyer? The answer may depend on your specific situation. However, there are a few critical things to look for in a cannabis or hemp attorney. Below, we break down three key characteristics to help you identify an experienced hemp lawyer for all of your legal cannabis, hemp, or CBD needs. 

May 27, 2020 , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCWhat To Look For In A Hemp Lawyer
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Advertising CBD Online

Advertising CBD Online

As cannabidiol (CBD) continues to grow in popularity, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive. CBD business owners have been forced to resort to creative measures in their marketing efforts. Many CBD companies often ignore the various rules and regulations associated with CBD advertising online. However, it is important for CBD businesses and entrepreneurs to pursue compliant marketing strategies for their products to avoid account suspensions, government enforcement actions, or other business interruptions.

April 15, 2020 , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCAdvertising CBD Online
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Marijuana Versus Hemp: Keeping Legalities Straight

Marijuana Versus Hemp: Keeping Legalities Straight

As the legalization of cannabis and cannabis-related products continues to make progress, keeping legalities straight can be challenging. The rise of the cannabidiol (CBD) industry has also led to an abundance of misinformation online and in the media, making it harder for the average consumer to find the right answers to their questions. But cannabis, hemp, hemp derivatives, CBD, and marijuana continue to gain popularity, and it is important to fully understand what is legal and what is not. Below, we have put together a comparison between the legalities of marijuana and the legalities of hemp as a thorough examination and differentiation. 

March 26, 2020 , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCMarijuana Versus Hemp: Keeping Legalities Straight
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Chelsie Spencer Selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star of 2020

Chelsie Spencer Selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star of 2020

We are pleased to announce that attorney Chelsie Spencer has been selected by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyers Rising Star of 2020. 

Super Lawyers is a rating service for exceptional lawyers that covers over 70 areas of practice. Only 2.5% of lawyers in each state are selected as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers. These lawyers are selected based on independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. 

March 16, 2020 , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCChelsie Spencer Selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star of 2020
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