[PRESS RELEASE] – AUSTIN, Texas, July 28, 2025 – The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) issued the following statement:
“As S.B. 5 heads to the Senate floor during the special session of the 89th Texas Legislature, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senators Charles Perry and Roland Gutierrez are actively looking to gift-wrap the entire cannabis market to a few select state-licensed [medical] One marijuana company already dominates the market with over 75 percent.
Their claim that the Texas Compassionate (TUPThis is a dangerous, misleading claim.
TCUP is currently serving just over 100,000 people and requires physician prescriptions and higher prices. H.B. 46 was an attempt to improve the program, it does little to expand real access to a restrictive and expensive TCUP program that serves an entirely different purpose than hemp.
Hemp is legal under federal and State law, serving millions of adults and veterans that rely on accessible, affordable alternatives to wellness and pain relief.
“S.B. “S.B. $10 billion industry that supports over 53,000 jobs and eliminate economic opportunity for thousands of small business owners across the state. All being done under the false flag of ‘safety,’ while the real goal is market control by a politically connected few. The goal is not to protect public health but rather to maintain a monopoly.
Governor Abbott’s message in his veto was very clear. Regulate hemp responsibly. Don’t banit. Texans deserve choice, not coercion. S.B. The 5th is actually a form of prohibition in disguise, which lawmakers must reject. The public opinion, the economic data, and common sense are all in agreement: this is a fake crisis, driven by special interest groups, not the general population.
“At a time when Texas faces real and pressing challenges like strengthening flood warning systems, redistricting and providing meaningful property tax relief, some Senate leaders are spending this special session pushing a hemp ban Texans clearly don’t want. The hemp ban is an example of misguided and poorly placed priorities.
“That’s why THBC and the vast majority of Texans strongly support a common-sense alternative that includes 21-plus age limits, child-resistant packaging and setbacks from schools. This is the best way forward to ensure public safety, economic liberty and the future for hemp in Texas.