Photo: Cannabis Tours Creative Commons 4.0
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a Republican, announced last week that banning all THC products would be a “major legislative initiative” this legislative session.
Senate Bill 3, carried by Texas Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) seeks to close a loophole in the federal bipartisan 2018 farm bill that was signed into law by then President Donald Trump. The law allows for the sale of hemp products, as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive substance in a cannabis plant.
Many businesses and consumers across South Texas may soon be at risk if Senate Bill 3 is passed and signed into law by Governor Abbott. Following the passage of the 2018 farm bill, businesses began to sell products that comply with the federal standard of >0.3% Delta-9 THC, but could still induce a psychoactive reaction similar to the illegal substance.
The products that are being targeted by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, can be used medicinally and recreationally. They are often the only cannabis products that people with chronic illnesses can obtain, due to the prohibitive cost and nature of Texas’ limited medical marijuana program.
We are not going to allow these retailers to circumvent the law and put Texans’ lives in danger.
– Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Despite the claims from members of the Texas legislative caucuses, there are no widespread reports or studies that correlate injury or death with legal THC products. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the primary risk for injury or death relating to these products comes from by-products used by manufacturers, often to reduce costs.
While it’s true that these products are not well-regulated, the science shows the THC is not the source of these potential health and safety issues. Rather, the lack of regulation and guidelines at the state and federal level have led to unsafe manufacturing and consumption practices. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his allies have opted to ban the products entirely, instead of regulate any aspects of the process.
Texas Republicans maintain that this bill will be a bipartisan effort, but it remains to be seen how many Democrats will join in supporting this legislation.
As of the publishing of this article, State Representative J.M. Lozano (R-Portland) and State Senator Chuy Hinojosa (D-Edinburg) have not released any statements about this piece of legislation. Both individuals represent the City of Alice’s residents in the Texas Legislature.