SAN ANTONIO – A new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump is changing how marijuana is classified at the federal level, but it does not override Texas’ existing state laws.
The order moves marijuana from a Schedule I drug a category reserved for substances considered to have no accepted medical use — to a Schedule III drug. The change loosens federal restrictions on medical research involving marijuana.
Industry leaders in Texas say the move is a positive step, even if it does not immediately affect operations in the state.
“It’s great to see that we are finally taking a common-sense approach here,” said Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original.
Texas Original is one of a limited number of companies licensed to grow and distribute medical marijuana under Texas law.
“We’re one of three licenses, and we’re the largest,” Richardson said.
Richardson added that support for medical marijuana has grown among some Texas lawmakers, with recent legislation expanding the types of medical marijuana products allowed for patients.
“We’re waiting on this approval so we can sell medical vaporization products to patients in Texas as well,” Richardson said.
However, not everyone in the cannabis space sees the federal move as a clear win. Some recreational hemp sellers around San Antonio worry that formal changes at the federal level could eventually lead to tighter regulations and costly licensing requirements that could push smaller businesses out of the market.
“What we need in this economy is for the regular business owner to participate in this industry with regulation,” said Warren Murtha, owner of Bexar Wellness.
For now, both medical marijuana producers and hemp retailers say they are taking a wait-and-see approach as lawmakers consider potential changes at both the state and federal levels.
Any new legislation affecting marijuana or hemp derivatives, we will continue to monitor closely.