As members of the Texas Senate prepare to vote on a bill that would make possessing delta-9 gummies or THC drinks a criminal offense, hemp advocates are warning that “prohibition is not the answer.”
Senate Bill 3 has been added to the Texas Senate’s intent calendar and is eligible for a full Senate vote as early as Wednesday, March 19. The bill looks to dismantle the state’s hemp industry as Texans have come to know it over the years by adding criminal penalties for a slew of things, including possession and intent to sell.
Hemp advocates in the Lone Star State continue to sound the alarm on Senate Bill 3. Heather Fazio, the director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, slammed the Texas Legislature for “resorting to a failed prohibitionist approach.”
“We recognize the need for stronger regulations to protect consumers and prevent underage access, but prohibition is not the answer,” Fazio said in a news release. “Banning these products will not eliminate demand — it will only drive sales into the illicit market, where there are no safety standards, ID checks, or oversight.”
If SB 3 is passed by the Texas Legislature, cannabis businesses in the state must remove all products with any amount of THC from physical and online stores or run the risk of facing felony charges. The only products that will remain legal in Texas are cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). Texas law currently allows cannabis products with up to 0.3% delta-9 THC to be sold in the state.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick previously clarified that the proposed THC ban would not impact the Compassionate Use Program, which is the state’s low-THC medical marijuana program.
Despite holding multiple hearings with the majority of Texans speaking out against total bans on THC, it seems like Texas lawmakers are uninterested in listening to their constituents.
Fazio is one of several advocates who have called for increased regulations without totally banning THC. Suggestions include child-resistant packaging, minimum age requirements and strengthening testing requirements.
Texans with strong opinions on the proposed THC ban can send emails or call Texas lawmakers regarding Senate Bill 3.
To look up the phone number of the state senator that represents you, head here.
There are multiple ways to email Texas lawmakers, with the U.S. Hemp Roundtable having a form to fill out here. The Texas Cannabis Policy Center also has a form for Texans to fill out, which can be found here via Action Network.
A bill criminalizing the possession and sale of currently legal hemp products is heading for a vote in the Texas Senate. Advocates are sounding the alarm. Read More
