Proposed THC ban in Texas about 'protecting kids,' lawmakers say
Share this @internewscast.com


() A bill that would ban products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is now on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after its approval from the state Senate late Sunday, and lawmakers have said they believe the bill will protect children.

“We can’t regulate it,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “We don’t have enough police to check every store, when there are 8 to 9,000 of them … To put it into perspective, we only have 1,100 McDonald’s in the state of Texas, 1,300 Starbucks in the state of Texas. So, there are eight times more smoke shops selling this poison.”

The bill comes alongside a push by Texas Republicans to significantly expand the state’s medical marijuana program.

Under the ban, possession of hemp products would carry a dramatically stricter penalty a year in jail. The rule fixes a loophole in the state’s 2019 Consumable Hemp Law that did not allow products to contain more than trace amounts of delta-9 THC, nor establish that same threshold for other hemp derivatives.

While state government officials argue the bill would safeguard children, the ban’s economic impact could be devastating for the state. The hemp industry contributes $10.2 billion to Texas’ economy, according to Whitney Economics.

Some local business owners have argued the bill is an “overreach.”

“It’s about $268 million in tax revenue that it’s going to deplete,” said Jennifer Garza, owner of CBD American Shaman. “And again, 53,000 Texans are going to be without a job. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I’m thinking about my customers, the veterans, all the business owners that are going to lose their jobs.”

In passing the ban, Texas joins several states including Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska that have banned or restricted intoxicating forms of hemp, or the compounds derived from it.

If signed by Abbott, the bill would take effect in September. Shops and business owners would have until January to fully comply. Lawmakers also agreed to expand Texas’s “Compassionate Use Program,” which allows those with specific conditions to use low-level THC products.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Evans County Sheriff’s Office Launches Joint Operation to Address Shootings

The Evans County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) revealed that it carried out a…

Liberatore Showcases Models on Emergency Runway, Spotlighting Worldwide Turmoil

MILAN – During Milan Fashion Week on Sunday, models made their way…

Iranian President Describes Injuries from Israeli Airstrike

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Selena Gomez Ties the Knot with Songwriter and Producer Benny Blanco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Selena Gomez has tied the knot with…

Understanding Trump’s New Plan for Pharmaceutical Tariffs

(The Hill) — President Trump’s recent pharmaceutical tariff policy adds another layer…

Eyewitness Accounts of the Michigan Church Shooting

() Eyewitness accounts are beginning to be heard about the shooting and…

Statement Released by Johnson City Mayor Regarding Downtown Video

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson City Mayor John Hunter shared a…

The Major Headlines You May Have Missed Over the Weekend

President Donald Trump confirmed during an NBC News interview that he intends…

Long Before Trump Endorsed Leucovorin for Autism, These Families had Already Experimented with It

Last winter, Brian Noonan discovered online that some physicians were prescribing a…

Sunday Afternoon Showers Amidst Breezy Conditions

The weather will remain mostly clear from the rest of Saturday through…

More Bodies Discovered in Michigan, Fatalities Now at Four

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Memorial for Helene in Washington County, Tenn. Inspires Future Hope

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – On the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the…