Bluebonnet Abstract & Title marked the opening of its new College Station location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 20, celebrating with drinks, a crawfish boil, and in-season fruits and vegetables. The gist: The company moved its offices from the Emerald Plaza area to the First National Bank of Central Texas building at 4270 State Hwy. 6, College Station. Bluebonnet has been in the College Station area for about a year, owner and Bryan native Shane Nelson told Community Impact, but the business had outgrown its Emerald Plaza location. Nelson said he hopes to better serve customers and the community at the new location. What they offer: Bluebonnet Abstract & Title provides services related to real estate transactions. The company emphasizes customer service and community relationships as part of its business approach.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Bryan-College Station area from March 16-20.

• 11 women-owned businesses making an impact in Bryan-College Station
• College Station ISD approves $570K bus seat belt upgrades to meet state law
• New College Station business brings another drink option to the area
• Impact roundup: 5 businesses now open, coming soon or closing in Bryan-College Station
• Fleet Week Houston ship lineup announced

On March 31, Texas’ roughly 9,000 licensed consumable hemp retailers will face sweeping regulations, including a more than 3,000% increase in annual licensing fees and a ban on most smokable cannabis products.

The overview: The new rules, which also include age verification requirements, stricter packaging guidelines and more rounds of product testing, were originally proposed in December. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates the state’s hemp industry, adopted the rules March 2.

The debate: Supporters of the increased regulations previously said they hoped the changes would result in more comprehensive oversight of Texas’ hemp industry and improve consumer safety. 

Some experts said they were concerned the new rules were taking effect too quickly and could lead some hemp businesses to close their doors.

"It is really tragic that these entrepreneurs are being faced with this, especially in a state like Texas that touts being pro-business ... and here we are shutting down businesses and relegating consumers to an illicit market," said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center.