03/20/2026
This one is a little long, but it’s important, so bear with us if you can. As most of you may know, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS, our license holder) is moving forward with a rule change that would alter how THC is calculated in h**p products sold in Texas.
If the rule moves forward as written, THCA would be included in the total THC calculation.
That change may sound technical, but it could have a major negative impact on both h**p businesses and the people who rely on these products.
Right now in Texas, many customers legally purchase products like:
• THCA flower
• THCA concentrates
• THCA vapes (online ordering will likely not be allowed)
If this rule takes effect as written, many of these products would no longer be legally sold in Texas h**p stores or shipped to customers in Texas.
For many people, that means losing access to products they use for things like:
• sleep support
• stress relief
• pain management
• relaxation or wellness routines
It could also mean that Texas consumers are pushed back toward unregulated markets, where products are not lab tested or verified the way licensed h**p products are today.
For businesses like ours, and hundreds of others across the state, the rule would also have serious consequences for jobs and local economies.
Here is where things currently stand.
The rule is expected to be finalized around March 20.
If finalized, it is currently scheduled to take effect March 31 at 12:00 AM.
However, there is active legal action already underway, and several industry groups and attorneys are preparing challenges in court.
Because of that, a few different things could happen next:
• A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) could pause the rule before it takes effect.
• A temporary injunction could freeze the rule while the courts review it.
• Or the rule could move forward while the legal process continues.
At this point, no one can promise what the outcome will be, and we want to be honest about that. What we do know is that lawmakers pay attention when constituents speak up respectfully.
If you would like to make your voice heard, you can contact your elected officials and let them know how this rule would affect you.
For our area, those offices include:
State Representative
Todd Hunter
Phone: (512) 463-0672
State Senator
Juan Hinojosa
Phone: (512) 463-0120
Governor
Greg Abbott
Phone: (512) 463-2000
You can also contact the agency directly responsible for this rule:
Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS)
Phone: (512) 776-7111
- Ask for Consumable H**p Program or Consumer Protection Division
If you choose to call, keeping the message simple and respectful is the most effective approach. For example:
“Hi, I’m a Texas voter calling about the proposed DSHS THC rule. Including THCA in total THC could remove many legal h**p products Texans rely on and harm small businesses across the state. I’m asking that you please reconsider this rule.”
Situations like this are not new for the h**p industry. Many of you may remember that this time last year people from all across Texas were heading to the Capitol to fight for this plant and the businesses built around it, including us.
The next few weeks will be extremely important, and we will continue sharing updates as we learn more.
& as always, thank you for your continued support. We know you have options, and we appreciate you choosing us.
With so much love,
-The Coastal Buds Team
