Texas hemp advocates urge Governor Abbott to veto THC ban bill

In Texas, an advocacy group rallied nearly 150,000 signatures urging Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3, which proposes a ban on hemp-derived THC products. This significant legislative action coincides with the deadline for the governor to decide, set for June 22, 2025. The proposed bill aims to prohibit Delta-8, Delta-9, and THC-infused beverages while allowing non-intoxicating cannabinoids, including CBD and CBG. The Texas Hemp Business Council emphasized that the bill could drastically impact the state's flourishing $8 billion hemp industry, jeopardizing 53,000 jobs and eliminating an estimated $4.3 billion in annual revenue. Mark Bordas, the executive director of the council, stated that concerns arise from polls indicating that 47% of Republican primary voters oppose the ban. He expressed that such legislation could foster black market sales, emphasizing that prohibition strategies have historically gone poorly, referring to the failed alcohol ban in the 1920s. The council argues that the bill's proponents are primarily influenced by lobbyists affiliated with the marijuana and alcohol industries rather than public health priorities. Furthermore, local shop owners, like Alex Noriega from Fort Worth, shared personal stakes in the matter, fearing closure due to the proposed ban affecting products integral to their businesses. Noriega’s shop, which boasts up to 90% of its inventory in THC products, symbolizes the anxious mood among business owners, indicating that their livelihoods hang in the balance pending the governor's decision. Customers echo this sentiment, expressing that they feel safer purchasing regulated THC products than buying unregulated alternatives from the street. As the deadline approaches, Governor Abbott remains silent on his decision, leaving many residents and business owners on edge regarding the future of hemp-derived THC products in Texas. The outcome could have lasting effects not only on the local economy but also on consumer safety and the well-being of those who depend on these products for health reasons. Many Texans hope that Governor Abbott will heed the voices of his constituents and recognize the significant consequences his decision could carry.