A proposal in Texas to ban hemp products containing THC is still in limbo, with the bill on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature — or otherwise.
The bipartisan Senate Bill 3 was passed last month, which sought (amongst other things) the ban of all forms of THC, the cannabinoid that is intoxicating and derived from hemp. The legal definition of hemp is that it contains very little THC. However, CBD (a non-intoxicating cannabis cannabinoid) can be added to hemp at high levels.
On Wednesday of this week it was still unclear what Governor Greg Abbott intended to do with SB3 after he told reporters that he had not made any decisions about his future actions.
Texas is a state where the issue of a smoking ban has been a topic that’s hotly debated.
According to new polling data reported by the Texas Hemp Business Council, only 35–37% of Republican primary voters support banning hemp or THC; with the majority wanting regulation over prohibition.
- 53% think a drug ban would empower cartels
- 55% believe it will lead to an increase in black market sales
- 72% believe veterans should have access to Hemp/THC instead of opioids
“Texans aren’t confused — they’re consistent: They want safe, legal access, not fear-based bans,” says the THBC. “At Governor Abbott’s office, more than 134,000 signatures on petitions and 5,000 letters written by hand have been delivered. The issue isn’t about politics. This is not about politics.
THBC reports that 53,000 Texas jobs are related to hemp.
Ragnar Research Partners, in collaboration with THBC, conducted the survey between June 2-4 among 800 Republican primary voters.
An earlier Baselice & Associates-run statewide poll indicated 68% of Texas likely voters support legal THC hemp products with strict regulations, while just 20% supported a ban.
The Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is the driving force behind SB3 and has previously stated that the proliferation of THC-derived hemp products across Texas is a safety concern.
The stores that often market to children have opened up all over the state. They are now a danger to our community’s safety.