In 2015, the Texas Legislature enacted the Texas Compassionate Use Act, Senate Bill 339. Under TCUP's regulatory regime, the Texas Department of Public Safety ("DPS") would create a secure registry for licensed physicians to prescribe low tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC") to patients suffering from a limited list of medical conditions, including ALS and intractable epilepsy.
Since establishing the Texas Compassionate Use Program ("TCUP"), DPS has issued licenses to only three dispensing organizations to dispense low-THC cannabis to registered TCUP patients. Currently, only two are operational in the state of Texas. Recently, DPS' Regulatory Services Division announced that department officials are now accepting new applications for dispensing organization licenses. Read below to learn more about the TCUP and the licensing application process.
January 26, 2023 Bankruptcy Law, Business Law, Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, CBD Trademark, Hemp Growth Texas, Hemp Legality Texas
Ritter Spencer, PLLCTexas Compassionate Use Program: DPS Now Accepting Applications for Dispensing Organization Licenses 01.26.2023
As one of the most popular and recognizable cannabinoids, cannabidiol ("CBD") products garner a lot of attention in the markets where they are sold. However, the growing normalization of CBD products has brought attention to a similar product: cannabigerol ("CBG"). One of the major reasons CBG has gained so much interest is because of its similarities to CBD and its potential therapeutic benefits. Both cannabinoids bind the same receptors in the brain and share many beneficial properties. Yet, they have some unique qualities that merit attention.
November 15, 2022 Cannabis, CBD, Hemp
Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Difference Between CBD and CBG 11.15.2022
Starting a Side Hustle as a Sole Proprietorship in Texas
A sole proprietorship is an entrepreneur's simplest business structure in Texas. While there are benefits to consider in the strengthened protection of a limited liability company or a corporation, people starting "side-hustles" often begin with a sole proprietorship. This simple method allows the new business owner to dip their feet into the pool. Some–through inertia or strategy–may simply continue the structure as the business grows.
The sole proprietorship initiation process lacks the layers of legal requirements standard in other business structures, but it does involve several steps that business owners should follow. A local law firm, like Ritter Spencer, can help new entrepreneurs successfully start a sole proprietorship in Texas. Read below to learn how to take the first step in your sole proprietorship.
August 22, 2022 Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, Hemp, Hemp Growth Texas, Hemp Lawyer, Hemp Lawyer Texas, Hemp Legality Texas, Hemp Licenses Texas, Hemp Products
Ritter Spencer, PLLCStarting a Side Hustle as a Sole Proprietorship in Texas 08.22.2022
The Differences Between Marijuana Legalization and Marijuana Decriminalization
As marijuana laws change nationwide, buzzwords such as "legalization" and "decriminalization" arise in the national discourse. State and local governments debate legalization and decriminalization, which may lead to confusion in distinguishing the two terms. In the context of manufacturing and selling cannabis products, decriminalization and legalization have vastly different implications. Since states have different standards for the legality of marijuana, it is important to know the difference between decriminalization and legalization to avoid conflict and confusion when examining your state's marijuana laws.
August 16, 2022 Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, Hemp, Hemp Growth Texas, Hemp Lawyer, Hemp Products
Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Differences Between Marijuana Legalization and Marijuana Decriminalization 08.16.2022
Southern Hostility: Southern States' Stances on Marijuana
Northern and western regions of the U.S. have propelled the national marijuana reform movement in recent years. From the passing of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to new developments by The New York Cannabis Control Board, northern states continue to lead recent charges in marijuana legalization. But for a few exceptions, the Southern states continue to lag woefully behind.
Southern states have displayed greater resistance to marijuana reform than their northern counterparts. But as the demand for cannabis legalization grows nationally, southern state legislators are taking small steps toward alleviating marijuana restrictions. Read on to explore the South's stance on the legalization of marijuana state by state.
August 8, 2022 Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, Hemp, Hemp Growth Texas, Hemp Lawyer, Hemp Products
Ritter Spencer, PLLCSouthern Hostility: Southern States' Stances on Marijuana 08.08.2022
The Differences Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC
As the cannabis community grows throughout the United States, more consumers seek the benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC") products. Two of the most prevalent forms of THC on the market today are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC ("Δ8THC and Δ9THC")
Δ8THC and Δ9THC present differences in their chemical makeup, impact on the user, production, and legality. Learn more about the key differences between Δ8THC and Δ9THC below.
August 4, 2022 Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, Hemp, Hemp Products
Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Differences Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC 08.04.2022
Texas Supreme Court Maintains Ban on Smokable Hemp Processing and Manufacturing
On Friday, July 1st, 2022, the Texas Supreme Court unanimously reinstated the statutory ban on the processing and manufacturing of smokable hemp products. The Texas Supreme Court found that the hemp companies involved in the challenge had no constitutionally protected right of economic liberty in their chosen profession of smokable hemp processing and manufacturing. Previously, the trial court found the statutory ban to be unconstitutional and entered a permanent injunction against state enforcement of the ban after a lower court rejected the ban in 2019. Read below to learn more about this continued prohibition on smokable hemp and its history.
July 12, 2022 Cannabis, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Lawyer, CBD, Hemp, Hemp Growth Texas, Hemp Lawyer, Hemp Lawyer Texas
Ritter Spencer, PLLCTexas Supreme Court Maintains Ban on Smokable Hemp Processing and Manufacturing 07.12.2022
California Legalizes the Sale and Manufacture of CBD-Infused Products
On October 6, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill that legalizes the sale and manufacture of hemp-derived products and CBD-infused consumable items. Assembly Bill 45 ("AB 45") establishes a regulatory and consumer protection framework for selling and producing CBD-infused products, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, dietary supplements, over-the-counter items, pet products, and more. California's expansion on allowed sales of cannabidiol ("CBD") products could potentially make California one of the largest cannabis markets in the world. Read below to learn more about the implications of California's AB 45 and the history of concern over consumables infused with CBD.
November 8, 2021 Cannabis Law, CBD
Ritter Spencer, PLLCCalifornia Legalizes the Sale and Manufacture of CBD-Infused Products 11.08.2021
The Differences Between CBD and Delta-8 THC
As the cannabis industry grows in the United States, and due to several recent statewide legalizations, more people have become familiar with the cannabis market, and consumers are increasingly interested in certain benefits of cannabis-derived products. From cannabidiol ("CBD") to tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC"), there are several products containing cannabinoids with different effects and purposes. As new types of cannabinoids become mainstream, the market faces unforeseen growth.
September 20, 2021 CBD
Ritter Spencer, PLLCThe Differences Between CBD and Delta-8 THC 09.20.2021
FDA Rejects Charlotte's Web's Application for CBD as a Dietary Supplement
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected an application from Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. for their full spectrum hemp extract. In a press release on August 11, 2021, Charlotte's Web, a hemp health supplement company, announced that the FDA published an objection to their New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) application the company submitted on March 31, 2021.
August 23, 2021 CBD
Ritter Spencer, PLLCFDA Rejects Charlotte's Web's Application for CBD as a Dietary Supplement 08.23.2021