Texas Senate passes ban on hemp products, local shop owner concerned

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Senate passes its hemp ban, which gives stricter oversight on the industry.

Panacea owner Rene Pena said he’s concerned with what he sees as an overreach the Senate Bill 3 has on the hemp industry. 

“Our customer base is scared. Scared they’re going to lose their right to access this medicine,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said one of the reasons he supports the ban was the increasing number of youth coming into similar shops. However, Pena said that’s not the case.

“It’s not really the adolescents, it’s really grandma and grandpa that support our business,” he said.

House of Representatives District 34 rep Denise Villalobos she feels the companies do use vague advertising tactics to attract younger buyers.

“These drugs, THC, and others like it are in our homes and when unprotected laying around the house with children is not good,” she said.

Villalobos said the hemp industry needs stricter guidelines.

“It’s dangerous, they are susceptible to it. Prone to addiction and all those things and we want to put a stop to that,” she said. 

Pena said some of these protocols are already in place. 

“Most shops carry also tobacco products. So we’re already 21 and up. Everyone gets carded at our doors just like they would at a liquor store,” he said.

More from 3News on KIIITV.com:  

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.

Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you’d like to remain anonymous.