An increasing number of Texans are calling on Governor Gregg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3, which its opposers say will destroy the Texas hemp industry. Just hours remain for a decision.
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Update: Governor Abbott has vetoed SB3, it will instead be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration
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Bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 3, which seeks to ban all forms of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC derived from hemp in Texas, occurred in May. Since that time, the bill has been sitting on the Governor’s desk for his signoff, veto or it coming into effect without his signature – and today is the big day where a decision one way or another is made.
Among the actions protesting its possible green-light was a petition circulated by the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), which has been getting plenty of attention and signatures. According to THBC, as at June 21 it had reached 153,484 signatures. Added to that have been thousands of handwritten letters delivered to the Governor’s office by the organisation earlier this month, plus 800 more delivered late last week.
“There have been well over 200,000 Texans who have voiced their opposition to S.B. 3 via email, letter, petition, social media and text,” said THBC Executive Director Mark Bordas said. “Texans do not want S.B. 3. Even among Republican primary voters, the very voters who shape the future of Texas politics, this bill is deeply unpopular.”
THBC said SB3 would eliminate $4.3 billion in annual revenue and 53,000 jobs in the state, and also flood Texas with unregulated, unsafe products.
“If we’re going to ban something harmful, let’s start with alcohol, the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, or tobacco, which kills more than 480,000 Americans each year,” said Bordas.
Mr. Bordas says powerful lobbyists linked to legal marijuana monopolies and ‘Big Alcohol’ are behind the push to criminalize the state’s hemp industry.
“Texans don’t want prohibition. They want fairness, freedom and safe, regulated choices, not backroom deals that put political influence over people’s lives,” he said.
Even up until late last week, Governor Abbott still hadn’t indicated which way he’ll go with the SB3, but reportedly stated there were meaningful positions and concerns on both sides of the issue, and he would be looking into and evaluating all those.
THBC’s petition states in part:
“SB 3 would deprive Texans of natural alternatives for treating chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders throughout the state. A hemp ban also threatens small businesses and farmers in Texas who depend on hemp production for their livelihoods.”
The full petition wording can be viewed here.
On a related note, a new poll indicates 61% of Texans oppose the ban and 70% of voters agree THC products should remain available with appropriate regulations (age gates, warning labels).
