News Summary
As Senate Bill 3 awaits the Governor’s decision, Texans express strong opposition against the potential ban on hemp-based products. Recent polls show that nearly half of Republican voters are against the ban, echoing a broader trend favoring regulated solutions over prohibitions. The Texas Hemp Business Council warns of significant economic consequences, with the $10.2 billion industry and thousands of jobs at risk. As the deadline approaches, the debate intensifies, highlighting the importance of consumer rights and economic stability in Texas.
Texas – The controversial Senate Bill 3, proposing a ban on hemp-based products and intoxicating THC forms, awaits a decision from Governor Greg Abbott. Recent polling data reveals a significant opposition to the bill among Texas voters, cutting across political affiliations.
According to a poll conducted by the Texas Hemp Business Council, 47% of Texas Republican primary voters are opposed to the ban on hemp-based products, while 37% support it and 16% remain undecided. This sentiment extends to 45% of voters opposing the restriction on THC products, compared to 35% who favor the ban, with 21% uncertain. The opposition is particularly pronounced among families with active-duty or former military members.
The call for a regulatory approach to hemp-derived THC rather than prohibition is clear among Texans. Many advocate for rules that would restrict access to adults while protecting minors. The findings align with two independent polls indicating widespread disapproval of measures like Senate Bill 3, especially among voters influential in Republican leadership discussions.
The Texas Hemp Business Council has actively campaigned against the bill, submitting 5,000 handwritten letters and a petition featuring over 118,000 signatures to Governor Abbott, urging him to veto the proposed legislation. The Executive Director of the Council criticized Senate Bill 3 as an infringement on Texans’ rights, suggesting it could jeopardize tens of thousands of jobs within the burgeoning hemp industry.
If enacted, Senate Bill 3 would compel individuals reliant on hemp-based products to resort to illegal, unregulated markets which may pose safety risks. The proposed law aims to ban all forms of intoxicating THC, such as Delta 8 and Delta 9, allowing only the sale of CBD and CBG products.
The poll, which surveyed 800 likely GOP primary voters and has a margin of error of ±4%, found that a significant 68% of Texas voters support legal THC products under strict regulations, with a mere 20% advocating for a total ban. Notably, among Republican voters, a majority of 57% favor regulated legalization, in stark contrast to 29% supporting prohibition. Furthermore, support is even higher among independent voters at 72% and younger demographics at 76%. Senior voters also show substantial opposition to potential bans.
Concerns from critics of Senate Bill 3 emphasize its potential to devastate a $10.2 billion industry in Texas, placing countless jobs and livelihoods at risk. Discussions surrounding the bill have attracted considerable public interest, with stakeholders from various sectors expressing their concerns regarding the far-reaching implications on health, business, and individual freedoms.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been a vocal supporter of the bill, asserting that it plays a critical role in safeguarding youth from harmful substances. Meanwhile, advocates for the hemp industry argue that current assertions linking hemp products to increased alcohol consumption are misleading. They note that alcohol-related incidents result in nearly 90 fatalities in Texas each month, highlighting the critical need for responsible regulation of hemp products rather than outright prohibition.
The Texas Hemp Business Council has presented proposals aimed at establishing sales restrictions for individuals under 21 years old and increasing minimum distances from schools to enhance safety standards. It is essential to note that Senate Bill 3 would not dismantle Texas’ Compassionate Use Program, which allows patients to access medicinal marijuana under specific criteria.
Governor Abbott has until June 22 to reach a decision regarding Senate Bill 3. The outcomes of this significant legislative issue may shape the future landscape of the hemp industry in Texas, affecting both economic stability and public health safety. With anticipated enforcement scheduled to commence on September 1, stakeholders across the state are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s decision, with many hopeful for a more balanced approach to regulating hemp products.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Cannabis Business Times
- Fox 4 News
- Houston Chronicle
- ABC 13
- Wikipedia: Texas
- Google Search: Texas hemp industry
- Google Scholar: Texas THC ban
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
- Google News: Texas Senate Bill 3
