There’s little question that during the 89th Legislature, which is soon coming to a close, Senate Bill 3 has been one of the most closely watched bills. With a stated goal of banning hemp products with THC, even in previously legal low percentages, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pointed out SB 3 in 2024 as his top legislative priority.
Although federal legislation and Gov. Greg Abbott’s own pen opened the door to what has become a thriving, continually growing billion-dollar industry in Texas just a few years ago, it doesn’t take a genius to know the door was kicked much farther open than was intended.
Intoxicating hemp products including edibles, flower and pre-rolls have been seized across the state by authorities with far more potency than what is permitted, and questionable, unregulated manufacturing and labeling practices have only led to confusion, and in many cases, illegality that made the THC industry in Texas a rather easy torget for conservatives looking to score points with their bases.
Last week, the House passed SB 3 with relative ease after Patrick reportedly sought out House Democrats who had high hopes of other bills they were involved with making it through the Senate. An amendment that would've carved out an exception for THC beverages was not included in the end, allowing for the full ban Patrick had aimed for all along.
Now that the bill is on its way to Abbott’s desk, thousands of small business owners across Texas are understandably concerned about the future. Last week, staff writer Alyssa Fields caught up with a spokesperson from the Dallas Hemp Co., who termed the development “sickening,” before briefly noting their fears.
“If we’re not able to sell our product as a legally compliant company, we might be going away,” they said.
But that’s not all who had thoughts. You, our dear readers and social media followers, of course, had some choice words to share regarding the state’s hardline move on THC. Have an opinion on this you'd like to share with us and the Dallas community? Email [email protected] (and it might get published in our Opinion section).
Gena on Facebook:
Just make the gummies in the shape of bullets and say it's ammo.
Melissa on Facebook:
Remember when Texas was "open for business?"
Steve on Facebook:
I was starting to see the black market on weed start to dwindle, but I guess they want to bring it back again.
Casey on Facebook:
I thought bans don't work...that's what we say about masks and guns?
Scott on Facebook:
The party of small government strikes again
Meowee Zowee on Bluesky:
Everybody come to Oklahoma, where gambling is legal, and we'll get the weed for you if you come find us. Oklahoma, we are freer than Texas.
