Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced an upcoming legislative priority: the prohibition of all consumable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) forms in Texas. This move, supported by the Senate’s leadership, aims to address concerns about the burgeoning hemp market in the state.
The proposed legislation, designated as Senate Bill 3, underscores its significance as a top priority in the forthcoming legislative session. Governor Dan Patrick, who has a significant influence over the Senate’s agenda, emphasized the urgency of this issue by assigning a low bill number, indicating its high importance.
Since the legalization of hemp in 2019, Texas has seen a rapid expansion of cannabis dispensaries, estimated in the thousands. These establishments have flourished under the 2019 law that allowed the sale of consumable hemp with minimal delta-9 THC content. This law was initially intended to support Texas agriculture. However, concerns have been raised about its misuse, with retailers allegedly exploiting legal loopholes to sell products containing potentially hazardous levels of THC.
Lt. Gov. Patrick voiced his concerns, pointing out that certain retailers have been distributing unregulated THC products, reportedly selling items with THC levels significantly higher than those typically found in illegal marijuana. Some products, including beverages, are said to have three to four times the THC content compared to those sold by illegal drug dealers.
The absence of rigorous testing, age restrictions, and comprehensive regulations for the current hemp market products has drawn criticism. Critics argue that this gap in oversight poses health risks and impacts medical cannabis patients, who rely on regulated access to THC products. The Texas hemp industry, however, has countered these claims by maintaining in court that the intoxicating effects of delta-8 are minor, warning that prohibiting both delta-8 and delta-9 would severely impact the industry and Texas’ economic landscape.
The proposed legislation will be sponsored by State Sen. Charles Perry, known for his role in passing the 2019 agricultural hemp bill. Sen. Perry has expressed his concerns about the exponential growth of hemp dispensaries since the bill’s passage, reinforcing the need for stricter regulations to curb the proliferation of unsafe THC products.
In Texas, consumable hemp goods must not exceed a THC concentration of 0.3%. Items are derived from industrial hemp, which has lower THC levels compared to marijuana plants. These include various forms, such as gummies, beverages, smokable vapes, and oils. The proposed ban seeks to address products that exceed this legal threshold while distinguishing between hemp and marijuana plants based on THC content.
As the legislative session approaches, all eyes are on the Texas Senate’s efforts to regulate THC products more stringently. The proposal highlights the ongoing tension between supporting agricultural growth and ensuring public safety. With significant economic implications and health considerations at stake, the outcome of this legislative endeavor will be closely monitored.
Source: Apnews
