Harry Brelsford, a veteran in the cannabis industry since 2014, discusses the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 300, which regulates hemp products. He supports the new regulations, including licensing, testing standards, packaging, labeling, and enforcement procedures, which he believes will improve safety and transparency. Brelsford highlights the need for tracking and traceability from seed to sale, similar to systems in states like Washington. He criticizes the proposed $20,000 annual licensing fee per location as punitive, particularly for small operators, and encourages public input on the regulations.
Action Items
- Texas Administrative Code Chapter 300 public testimony page. Link HERE!
- Dets on Chapter 300, Here is the LINK.
- Here is an interesting article on this matter in the Texas Tribune - LINK.
Introduction and Background of Harry Brelsford
- Harry Brelsford introduces himself as a long-time resident of Austin, Texas, and a veteran in the cannabis industry since 2014.
- He mentions his experience in the tech industry in Seattle and his role in analyzing the cannabis market for vendors.
- Harry highlights the current challenges faced by the cannabis industry, including a downturn in investor interest and profitability.
- He plans to discuss the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 300, which deals with hemp regulation.
Overview of Texas Administrative Code Chapter 300
- Harry explains that Chapter 300 is an outgrowth of the Texas state legislature, supported by the governor but not the lieutenant governor.
- The chapter covers licensing, definitions, testing standards, packaging, labeling, retail sales rules, retail registration, inspection, and enforcement procedures for consumable hemp products.
- He supports the implementation of these regulations, citing the need for effective licensing and testing standards to prevent products from reaching minors.
- Harry emphasizes the importance of child-proof packaging and retail registration requirements to maintain safety and integrity in the market.
Support for Regulation and Testing Standards
- Harry discusses the need for tracking and traceability from seed to sale, similar to what exists in states like Colorado and Washington.
- He mentions his interactions with House of Jane, a hemp dispensary in Dripping Springs, and their use of barcodes for inventory management.
- Harry argues that traceability is crucial for ensuring product safety and accountability, especially in the context of the black market.
- He shares an anecdote about a conversation at South by Southwest, highlighting the need for regulation to prevent cannabis from reaching high school students.
Retail Registration Requirements and Licensing Fees
- Harry talks about the current annual license fee of $150 per location in Texas and the proposed increase to $20,000 per location.
- He describes the proposed fee as punitive, particularly for solo operators and smaller businesses, and compares it to the $150 fee in Washington.
- Harry plans to investigate the impact of the new tax laws on the cannabis industry in Texas.
- He encourages listeners to participate in the conversation and submit their opinions on the proposed regulations.
Conclusion and Call to Action
- Harry reiterates the importance of public input on the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 300, and provides a link for submitting testimony.
- He emphasizes the need for regulation to keep honest players in the market and prevent bad actors from exploiting the system.
- Harry expresses his excitement about the opportunity to monitor and improve the hemp industry in Texas.
- He concludes by thanking the audience and promising more podcasts on cannabis and hemp regulation in the future.