Odessa Smoke Shop Loses 70% of Sales After 'Hemp Ban'

Recent state regulations capping THC in smokable products have devastated the business.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:24am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium hemp products including CBD oil tinctures, gummies, and vape cartridges arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the regulatory challenges facing the hemp industry.As state regulations on hemp products tighten, small businesses like High Society face an uncertain future.Odessa Today

A smoke shop in Odessa, Texas called High Society has seen a 70% drop in sales after recent state regulations capped the total THC amount in smokable hemp products at just 0.3%. This has forced the business to remove popular items like pre-rolled joints and flower buds, devastating its revenue and putting the seven-month-old company's future in jeopardy.

Why it matters

The new regulations were intended to protect younger consumers, but they have instead primarily impacted older customers, including many veterans, who rely on hemp products to ease chronic pain. The changes have also increased licensing fees from $158 to $5,000, creating major financial challenges for small businesses like High Society.

The details

High Society's sales have plummeted from seeing 60-70 customers per day down to just 5. The business is now limited to selling only beverages, gummies, and nicotine vapes, which make up a small fraction of their previous revenue. Owner Madison Stout says the changes have been devastating, both for the business's financial outlook and for no longer being able to serve their regular customers who relied on the banned hemp products.

  • The new state regulations capping THC in smokable hemp products went into effect in April 2026.
  • High Society has been in business for 7 months.

The players

High Society

A smoke shop in Odessa, Texas that has seen a 70% drop in sales due to recent state regulations banning the sale of hemp products with more than 0.3% THC.

Madison Stout

The owner of High Society smoke shop in Odessa, Texas.

Texas Department of State Health Services

The state agency that implemented the new regulations capping THC in smokable hemp products at 0.3%.

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What they’re saying

“I went from seeing 60, 70 people a day to we were lucky to see five.”

— Madison Stout, Owner, High Society

“It's sad, you know, especially when it comes to being in the service industry and making people come, like regulars, I don't get to see a lot of those faces anymore. So, it sucks.”

— Madison Stout, Owner, High Society

“Even some, you know, 'I don't wanna have to make that drive,' because that drive, you know, was a lot of extra stress on their body, and you have to think about the problems running into getting in trouble bringing products across state lines you're not supposed to be.”

— Madison Stout, Owner, High Society

What’s next

High Society is exploring options to adapt their business model and product offerings to comply with the new regulations, but the future remains uncertain as they face major financial challenges.

The takeaway

The new state regulations on hemp products have had a devastating impact on small businesses like High Society, forcing them to remove popular items and causing a dramatic drop in sales. This highlights the unintended consequences of policies aimed at protecting younger consumers, as they have instead primarily harmed older customers who rely on these products for medical purposes.