A Big Win For Hemp In The United States
Consumable hemp products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have increased exponentially in availability and popularity in the United States after the adoption of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production nationwide in the U.S.
Unfortunately, a byproduct of the rise of intoxicating hemp products in the U.S. is political and regulatory turmoil as states have scrambled to regulate the products, and in some cases, shut down the sector entirely. Arguably, ground zero for the ongoing hemp THC product battle in the U.S. is Texas.
Lawmakers in Texas introduced and approved Senate Bill 3, which would have banned hemp-derived THC products and related activity in Texas. The measure was one signature away from becoming law. However, at the last minute, the legislation was vetoed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a bill Sunday to ban all THC consumables, allowing the booming market flush with THC-infused vapes, gummies and other products to continue to be sold across the state.” reported the Associated Press. “Abbott, a Republican, waited until the final moment to veto the bill in what would have been one of the most restrictive THC bans in the country and a significant blow to the state’s billion-dollar industry.”
“The law would have made it a misdemeanor to own, manufacture or sell consumable THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, products and was the latest push by states to regulate THC after a 2018 federal law allowed states to regulate hemp, a similar plant to marijuana that can be synthetically processed to produce THC, the compound giving marijuana its psychoactive properties.” the Associated Press also reported.
“SB 3 would have banned widely used, federally legal hemp-derived products, pushing consumers toward unsafe alternatives and threatening public health and choice. Governor Abbott’s veto protects the hundreds of thousands of farmers, veterans, small businesses and adult consumers across Texas who rely on hemp for wellness and their livelihoods.” stated the Texas Hemp Business Council in a press release.
“Texas already has strong hemp regulations under HB 1325, such as strict rules on THC limits, full panel testing, licensing, labeling and accessible certificates of analysis. We continue to advocate for sensible additions, such as limiting sales to those 21 and older, requiring child-resistant packaging, and establishing setbacks from schools, all of which were rejected by proponents of SB 3 in both the 88th and 89th Legislatures.” the Council also wrote.
“Polling consistently shows that Texans do not support a ban on hemp-derived products. We commend Governor Abbott for his leadership and for listening to the more than 150,000 petition signers and thousands more who shared their stories through handwritten letters. We remain committed to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to support a safe, well-regulated hemp industry, not just for Texas, but as a model for the nation.” the Council concluded.
Between $19.1 and $22.4 billion in economic activity is generated by the Texas hemp-derived cannabinoid retail, manufacturing, and wholesale sectors, according to the Texas Hemp Business Council.
