Hemp in Texas

Kinky Friedman, known for his diverse career as a singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, and politician, has been a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana and hemp in Texas. His political campaigns, especially for the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, have often highlighted his support for decriminalizing pot and revitalizing the hemp industry. He views these measures as potential boosts to state tax revenue and ways to combat illegal drug trade. Friedman's efforts contributed to bringing the conversation around hemp and marijuana legalization into the Texas political sphere, making him a notable figure in the state's journey towards embracing hemp agriculture.

This aligns with the Texas Department of Agriculture's Industrial Hemp Program, established following the 2018 Farm Bill and Texas House Bill 1325. The program, starting in March 2020, allowed for the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp and related products, including those containing CBD​​.

Friedman's advocacy thus paved the way for broader acceptance and legislative action towards hemp cultivation and use in Texas.

The Texas Industrial Hemp Program

The Texas Industrial Hemp Program, a modern initiative guided by the 2018 Farm Bill and Texas House Bill 1325, marks a significant advancement in agricultural practices in the state. Spearheaded by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the program was launched in March 2020, legalizing the commercial production of hemp. This includes consumable products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and other edible parts of the hemp plant.

To participate in this program, applicants must first watch the TDA Hemp Orientation Video, a prerequisite for applying for a hemp license. The application process for a Hemp Producer license is streamlined through the TDA eApply site, where applicants are required to specify a facility location for their license​​.

Once licensed, producers must apply for a Lot Crop Permit (LCP) for each planting area, which is necessary before planting can commence. This process also involves submitting a lot report within specific timeframes after sample collection or permit issue date​​.

An essential part of hemp production is the sampling process. Before harvest, an official sample of the hemp crop must be taken by a TDA licensed Handler Sampler and submitted to a TDA Registered Laboratory. This ensures compliance with THC levels. Hemp crops must be harvested within 15 days of sampling to maintain validity. Producers can also request unofficial sampling as a monitoring tool, although it's not a mandatory requirement​​.

Once the laboratory results confirm that the THC levels are within the acceptable range, producers can apply for a transport manifest to move the hemp. This step is crucial for ensuring that all transported hemp meets the legal THC requirements​​.

The program also mandates filing a lot report for every LCP issued, ensuring a systematic and organized tracking of hemp cultivation activities​​. Additionally, the TDA provides specific forms for different stages of hemp production and processing, including approval of hemp varieties, processor registration, and laboratory registration for THC testing​​​​​​.

In cases where the hemp crop exceeds acceptable THC levels, the program requires the destruction of the crop, followed by submitting a Disposal Report Form, ensuring strict compliance with the legal standards of hemp production​​.

Kinky Friedman's advocacy for hemp and marijuana legalization in Texas played a notable role in setting the stage for such progressive agricultural programs. His consistent support and campaigning for the cause helped in bringing this topic into the political mainstream, eventually contributing to the establishment of the Texas Industrial Hemp Program​​.