The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) has again lashed out at proposed legislation it says will ban federally legal hemp products.
Previously, Senate Bill 3 sought to ban all forms of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC derived from hemp in Texas and had bipartisan support. But in late June, Governor Gregg Abbott vetoed it, instead placing the issue on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration.
The Special Session Proclamation notes:
“Legislation making it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to children
Legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting synthetically modified compounds, and establishing enforcement mechanisms, all without banning a lawful agricultural commodity.”
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry are now pushing for the adoption of SB5, which is basically a revival of SB3.
The THBC says SB5 is:
“… a reckless repeat that would ban federally legal hemp products, kill small businesses and criminalize responsible consumers, all under the false premise of public safety.”
TBHC says SB 3’s veto protected a state industry worth $5.5 billion that supports over 50,000 jobs and contributes $268 million in annual retail tax revenue to the state’s coffers.
“Governor Abbott got it right the first time: Banning hemp is bad policy and bad for Texas,” the group says. “Prohibition doesn’t work. What Texans want is smart, responsible regulation.”
A petition led by the organisation opposing SB3 resulted in more than 150,000 signatures and 8,000 letters. A recent poll indicated 61% of Texans opposed the ban and 70% of voters agreed THC products should remain available with appropriate regulations in place.
While opposing Senate Bill 5, the organisation is supporting H.B. 4242, which it says is:
“… a common-sense alternative that includes 21+ age limits, child-resistant packaging and setbacks from schools. It’s the right path forward for public safety, economic freedom and the future of hemp in Texas.”
H.B. 4242 was filed back in March this year by Representative Briscoe Cain [R]. The last activity on it was late that month, with it referred to State Affairs.
In other relatively recent cannabis related news out of the state, last month Governor Abbott has signed House Bill 46 into law, which improves access to the state’s very restrictive medical cannabis Compassionate Use Program.
