Texas Senate Approves THC Ban in Controversial Bill

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate passed a controversial bill on Wednesday to ban all forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a significant move by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick aimed at addressing concerns over the burgeoning consumable hemp market. Senate Bill 3, referred to by Patrick as one of his top legislative priorities, received approval with a 24-7 vote, reflecting ongoing discussions about public health and safety.

Patrick emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “This is a poison in our public.” He further described the legislative focus as a responsibility to tackle pressing life-and-death matters. Data suggests that since the passage of House Bill 1325 in 2019, which permitted the sale of hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC, over 8,000 stores have opened selling these items. The introduction of products containing hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC has raised alarms among lawmakers.

“This is changing people’s lives in short order,” said State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), the bill’s author. “It’s being marketed as something safe and legal, and it’s anything but.” During the afternoon debate, Perry highlighted the potential dangers associated with high-THC products, which can cause severe psychological effects, particularly among young people.

Patrick indicated that the legislation is intended to curb the exploitation of the existing laws by retailers selling products that contain dangerously high levels of THC, which can exceed traditional marijuana potency. “We’re going to ban your stores before we leave here for good,” he warned those in the industry.

Supporters of the ban, including local law enforcement officials, argue that the unregulated sales of these products have led to increased access for minors and raised public safety concerns. Allen Police Chief Steve Dye remarked, “We need a rule that all THC is illegal in these products. That helps us enforce it.”

Aubree Adams, the director of Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas, called the situation alarming: “The science is clear: THC can cause psychosis and lead to schizophrenia.” She stressed that the potential benefits of THC products do not outweigh their risks, especially concerning children’s health.

Conversely, industry advocates oppose the outright ban, arguing it would decimate the Texas hemp market and its economic contributions. Mark Bordas, executive director of the Texas Hemp Business Council, stressed the extensive job loss and tax revenue reduction that could occur as a result of SB 3. He argued for more regulatory measures instead of a complete prohibition, emphasizing that the law should focus on eliminating bad actors while allowing responsible businesses to operate.

Local business owners, such as Todd Harris, expressed frustration with the ban, noting that it would significantly hurt their operations. “It would affect a lot of hardworking Texas families that are creating shops like us,” Harris stated. He pointed out that many of his products meet safety regulations and serve adults rather than children.

The bill will next move to the Texas House, where a similar measure has been introduced that aims to impose stricter regulations on the hemp industry without banning THC altogether. State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian), the measure’s sponsor, has expressed media support for greater oversight of hemp products.

Critics of Senator Perry’s bill, including State Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio), argued that banning THC outright could push consumers toward an unregulated black market, making the situation worse. “I don’t think this is gonna help people stop doing what they’re doing,” Menéndez concluded.

As discussions progress in the Texas Legislature, the implications of this bill on public health, the economy, and personal freedoms remain hotly debated topics, with many stakeholders advocating for a balanced approach that addresses health concerns while preserving professional livelihoods.