Texas Lt. Gov. Pushes for Complete THC Ban

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Announces Senate Bill 3 to Ban All Forms of Consumable THC

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made a bold statement this week, announcing the introduction of Senate Bill 3, which seeks to ban all forms of consumable Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from being sold within the state. The bill comes in response to a surge in the sale of unregulated THC products, which Lt. Gov. Patrick and other lawmakers have deemed a threat to public health and safety, especially for children.

The proposed legislation aims to address concerns stemming from the commercialization of hemp, a move that began with the passing of House Bill 1325 in 2019. While the bill was intended to bolster the state’s agricultural industry, it inadvertently opened the door for the sale of hemp-derived products containing trace amounts of Delta-9 THC—a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Lt. Gov. Patrick is now calling for stricter regulation and a full ban on consumable THC products to protect Texas residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.

The 2019 Hemp Legislation and Its Unintended Consequences

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1325, introduced by Rep. Tracy King (D-Uvalde), which legalized the commercialization of hemp for agricultural and industrial purposes. The bill allowed for the sale of hemp-derived products, including CBD, which could contain trace amounts of Delta-9 THC. The intention was to support the state’s agricultural industry by capitalizing on the growing demand for hemp and its derivatives.

However, the law left a regulatory gap, and many retailers began selling consumable THC products, including edibles, beverages, and tinctures. These products, while legal under the 2019 legislation, were often not regulated or tested for safety and potency. Retailers exploited this loophole, making products with high levels of THC—up to three to four times the amount found in traditional marijuana—readily available to the public.

Senate Bill 3: A Response to the Growing THC Crisis

The new bill, Senate Bill 3, introduced by Lt. Gov. Patrick, is designed to address the public health concerns associated with these high-THC products. Patrick emphasized that the sale of such products was not only unregulated but also potentially life-threatening, particularly due to the lack of oversight in production and distribution.

In his statement, Lt. Gov. Patrick highlighted the alarming growth in the number of retail stores selling these unregulated THC products since 2023. He pointed out that thousands of stores across Texas have begun selling products with dangerously high levels of THC, often marketed directly to adults but also targeting children and young adults. He also warned that some of these products, including THC-infused beverages, have potency levels far exceeding those of traditional marijuana—presenting a significant risk to public health.

“The danger is clear—these retailers are exploiting a gap in the law and putting Texans’ lives at risk. We cannot allow these unregulated, high-potency products to continue flooding our streets,” Patrick said. “Senate Bill 3 will ensure that these hazardous products are banned and removed from the marketplace.”

Support for Senate Bill 3 and the Bipartisan Push for Change

Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) will carry Senate Bill 3 through the legislative process, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers expressing support for the bill. Lt. Gov. Patrick anticipates that the bill will garner broad bipartisan backing in the Texas Senate, noting that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are united in their concern about the dangers posed by unregulated THC products.

Patrick also expressed confidence that the bill will pass through the Texas House of Representatives with overwhelming support, calling on lawmakers to recognize the public safety risks these products pose to Texans. “I trust the House will also see the danger of these products and pass this bill with overwhelming support so it can become law immediately,” he stated.

Public Safety and Consumer Protection at the Forefront

The primary concern driving Senate Bill 3 is the safety of consumers, particularly those who may be unknowingly exposed to dangerously high levels of THC. Advocates for the bill argue that while hemp products and CBD may have potential health benefits, unregulated THC products should not be easily accessible to the public without proper oversight and regulation.

Since the rise in popularity of hemp-derived products, there have been growing concerns about the lack of standardized testing and quality control, particularly in products marketed for recreational consumption. Senate Bill 3 seeks to address these concerns by imposing stricter regulations on THC products, ensuring that they meet safety standards and are not sold to children or individuals at risk of harmful THC exposure.

Furthermore, supporters of the bill point to the need for more robust consumer protection in the cannabis industry, especially as the market continues to evolve. Texas, as one of the largest and most influential states in the U.S., is seen as setting a precedent for other states that may be grappling with similar issues regarding hemp and THC commercialization.

What’s Next for Senate Bill 3?

Senate Bill 3’s path to becoming law will likely involve a series of hearings, discussions, and amendments as lawmakers work to refine the bill and ensure it meets the needs of the public. While the exact timeline for passage remains unclear, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Sen. Perry are both committed to fast-tracking the legislation to address what they see as a pressing public health issue.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders from various sectors, including the agricultural community, cannabis industry, and public health organizations, are expected to weigh in on the proposed changes. While some advocates for the hemp industry may raise concerns about the impact of the bill on legitimate hemp businesses, supporters of Senate Bill 3 argue that the need to protect consumers outweighs these concerns.

A Turning Point in Texas’ Cannabis Legislation

Senate Bill 3 marks a significant shift in Texas’ approach to cannabis-related legislation. While the state has made strides in legalizing hemp for agricultural use, this bill seeks to address the unforeseen consequences of commercialization, particularly regarding the sale of high-potency THC products.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, all eyes will be on Texas lawmakers to see whether they will pass the measure and put stricter controls on the state’s rapidly expanding hemp market. If passed, Senate Bill 3 will likely have lasting effects on both the cannabis industry and public safety in Texas.