Texas
Texas hemp groups seek injunction as hearing begins over state’s hemp ban rules
AUSTIN, Texas — A three-day court hearing starting Tuesday morning at the Travis County Courthouse will determine whether Texas hemp businesses can keep operating under a temporary pause of new state health rules that restrict smokable hemp products.
Texas hemp advocacy groups are seeking a temporary injunction to block rule changes from the Texas Department of State Health Services that took effect at the end of March. The changes ban the sale of smokable hemp products, require other hemp products to be sold in child-proof packaging, and significantly increase costs for manufacturers.
David Sergi, an attorney for the hemp advocacy groups with Sergi & Associates PC, said, “We are going to be here tomorrow to bring justice to Texas hemp.” Sergi said the dispute centers on how the state redefined THC limits and testing requirements.
“What we disagree with is cutting the heart out of the hemp industry by redefining what the appropriate amount of THC is and how it’s calculated,” he said.
ALSO| Judge rules to temporarily block Texas’ smokeable hemp ban
Some anti-commercial marijuana groups support the rule changes. Iman Lohrasbi, a state policy associate with Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said, “Obviously, I think these products, the smokable hemp products, should be banned…These are not good for people of the country, especially not in Texas either.”
Hemp advocacy groups argue the changes could effectively end the industry. They filed a lawsuit on April 9, and a temporary restraining order was later granted. The order applies to a new testing requirement that created a 0.3% THC threshold, which eliminated smokable products
“We’re doing this for not only the industry but also our clients and our customers,” Sergi said.
He also said he believes a judge will quickly grant a temporary injunction to continue suspending the rule changes, arguing, “The Department of Health acted ultra vires or beyond its authority in redefining how to classify hemp.”
The temporary restraining order remains in place until May 1, leaving uncertainty about enforcement after that date if a temporary injunction is not granted.
Ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, the Texas Department of State Health Services said it does not comment on active litigation.
Tuesday’s hearing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. If a temporary injunction is granted, the next step in the case would be an effort to permanently suspend the hemp rule changes.
AUSTIN – Texas officials are rolling out a new online hub aimed at helping residents spot and report the New World screwworm, a pest Gov. Greg Abbott says threatens livestock, wildlife, and the state’s rural economy.
Abbott announced the launch of screwworm.texas.gov, an enhanced website housed in the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Disaster Portal that he described as a “one-stop shop” for information and resources tied to the state’s response.
The New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy,” Abbott said. “This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians, and families. Screwworm.texas.gov delivers the facts, maps, identification methods, and certification resources Texans need to detect problems early and report cases without delay. Now every Texan has the information to act. Texas will protect our land, our animals, and our way of life from this pest.
According to the governor’s office, the site is designed to provide “actionable and reliable multimedia information” about the New World screwworm, including fact sheets, videos, and educational materials.
The portal includes background information, guidance on how to spot the pest, sample collection procedures, Texas Animal Health Commission New World screwworm zone maps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture case dashboard, links to best practices for livestock and wildlife, and details on registering for a new no-cost New World screwworm Certified Inspector Training.
The governor’s office said state and federal partners are working together to detect, control and contain the spread, and that expanding public outreach and providing clear information is a key part of reducing risk.
Abbott’s office also highlighted actions taken by the governor in response to the pest, including:
- Directing the creation of a joint Texas New World screwworm Response Team
- Joining USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to announce a $750 million investment in a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg
- Issuing a statewide disaster declaration ahead of the first detection
- Deploying state resources and activating the State Emergency Operations Center after the first confirmed Texas cases
- Visiting the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville for a briefing
- Launching a free online training course to certify more inspectors
- Announcing federal funding to strengthen inspection capacity.
Texans are urged to inspect livestock and pets for wounds and report suspected cases immediately, including in wildlife.
For livestock and pets, suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.
For wildlife, reports should be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505. Officials also warn people not to move affected animals.
More information and updates are available at screwworm.texas.gov and screwworm.gov.
More than 150 troops at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have been infected with influenza over the past three weeks — a major outbreak less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American troops would no longer be required to be vaccinated against the flu.
-
Seattle, WA3 seconds agoSuarez’s no-hit try ends on Naylor double in seventh, but Boston still tops Seattle
-
San Diego, CA3 minutes agoNeymar expected to return from right calf injury and play for Brazil in World Cup against Scotland
-
Milwaukee, WI8 minutes agoToday’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20
-
Atlanta, GA15 minutes agoAtlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
-
Minneapolis, MN18 minutes agoMERAUDER, JUDGE, ARKANGEL and many more announced for Minneapolis’ Snow and Flurry 2026
-
Indianapolis, IN23 minutes agoThird Public Safety Camera Added on Washington Street in Downtown Indy
-
Pittsburg, PA30 minutes agoAnalysis: Most Pittsburgh‑area communities are losing residents — here’s why that might be OK
-
Washington, D.C33 minutes agoTrump’s DC makeover frenzy bewilders locals and visitors: ‘It’s like we’re under occupation’
