Texas failed to stop the sale of THC hemp products. It’s not over yet.
In 2019, the Texas Legislature approved House Bill 13025, following the legalisation of hemp in the USA. Texas’ definition of hemp was similar to the federal law, which only allowed for maximum THC levels up to delta-9. Other forms like delta-8 were ignored or could be produced post harvest by cannabinoid manipulation. The manufacturers were quick to take advantage of the loopholes.
Last year, Texas Lieutenant-Governor Dan Patrick declared his support for a law that would prohibit the sale of any hemp THC products in Texas. In June of this year Governor Greg Abbott vetoed the bill and instead put it on Special Session Agenda for consideration.
Senate Bill 5 is essentially a revival SB3, which was also supported by Lieutenant Governor. SB6 would have prohibited the sale of hemp-based products containing any other cannabinoid than CBD or CBG.
However, Lieutenant Governor Patrick said late last week the effort to ban hemp-derived THC had failed – for now.
We were unable to resolve the issue after long discussion last night with Governor, Speaker and myself on THC. Discussions continued today for hours. he said On Thursday. “My position has not changed; both the Senate and myself are in favor of a THC total ban.”
It is important not to underestimate the powerful forces that are at play on both sides. Texas has a hemp THC market worth billions in dollars, and it supports thousands of Texas jobs.
Texas Hemp Business Council welcomed news The ban was thwarted.
We want to express our gratitude to Governor Greg Abbott and Speaker Dustin Burrows for their support of Texans in rejecting misguided efforts to outlaw hemp. This will protect an important Texas sector that provides 53,000 jobs, generates 10 billion dollars annually, and supports 53,000 Texas workers.
The group claims that if this ban was successful it would also have been a major blow to the state’s coffers, as $267 millions in taxes revenue were lost. The organisation has said it will continue to advocate for “sensible additions” to the regulations such as restricting sales to 21-year-olds, child resistant packaging, and setting backs from schools.