Smokable hemp products make up a huge chunk of sales for many Texas shops. Now a judge’s ruling could change everything.
AUSTIN, Texas — Hemp shop owners across Texas are on edge waiting for a judge’s ruling that could determine whether they can continue selling smokable hemp products, with some saying the decision could put them out of business entirely.
The case, heard in Austin, has drawn significant attention from shop owners who say smokable products make up a huge portion of their sales. The ruling, which could come any day, will also determine whether shops face major new licensing fees. Texas’ hemp industry is a multi-billion dollar business, making the stakes extraordinarily high.
Kenneth Berner, owner of Burners Vape, Smoke & Herb, traveled to Austin to testify in court. Berner owns locations in League City and Bacliff, is an Iraq War veteran, and says he both hires veterans and serves many veteran customers.
Berner pushed back on the rhetoric he says some politicians have used against hemp business owners.
“You know, we’ve had politicians that have actually called us murderers, that have said that we’re trying to murder their children,” Berner said. “That’s obviously not true. They’re normal everyday law-abiding citizens that own these businesses.”
The judge’s ruling had not yet been issued at the time of this report, though it is expected soon. For business owners and customers alike, the outcome could have far-reaching impacts.
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