US States Tighten Hemp-Derived THC Laws in South Carolina and Texas

South Carolina continues to allow hemp‑derived Delta 9 THC products that contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight, citing the 2018 Federal Farm Bill and the state's Hemp Farming Act. Retailers are advised to verify third‑party lab results and to enforce a minimum purchase age of 21, which state legislation is expected to codify in 2026.

In Texas, a new law effective July 31, 2026 reclassifies most synthetic hemp‑derived THC products—including Delta‑8, Delta‑10, THCA flower, THC‑P and other variants—as Schedule I controlled substances. The change follows a Texas Supreme Court decision that empowered the Department of State Health Services to enforce a 2021 rule. Products containing Delta‑9 THC at or below 0.3% remain legal. Violations can be charged as state‑jail felonies, with penalties of up to two years in jail and fines up to $10,000, while businesses risk license loss and substantial fines.