Customers walked into a Plano hemp shop this week expecting to buy familiar products. Instead, many learned at the counter those items are no longer legal to sell.
A new Texas law that took effect this week bans most smokable hemp products, including THCa flower and pre-rolls, forcing businesses to quickly adapt.
At Endo Dispensary and Wellness, owners said they’ve spent much of their time explaining the changes to customers as they arrive.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” one customer said.
Maddy Grisaffi and Jade Willard said the shift happened with little warning.
“It just happened very fast,” said Grisaffi.
“It’s been a rough morning,” said Willard.
The law targets products containing more than 0.3% THC, the compound responsible for producing a high.
For the Plano shop, the impact is significant. Willard said about 85% of their revenue came from products that are now banned.
“Eighty-five percent of our income was based on what just got banned,” Willard said.
The changes are forcing the business to pivot. Instead of focusing on just hemp sales, the shop plans to host live music, events and other community gatherings to stay afloat.
“It’s just going to slow people down from continuing their business,” one owner said.
The law also increases licensing costs. Retail registration fees have risen from $150 to $5,000, while manufacturer licenses increased from $250 to $10,000.
Supporters of the law say it addresses a gap in regulation.
Betsy Jones, with Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, said the industry had grown rapidly with limited oversight.
“It’s a billion-dollar industry,” Jones said. “The people who are profiting from this industry are the ones who should be paying for the costs.”
For now, business owners say they are adjusting as customers continue to walk in, often unaware of the changes. Some leave without making a purchase.
