Just six years after Texas legalized hemp products, the state might be heading toward a ban on most of them. The reason? Lawmakers are concerned about the rise in THC products and the safety risks that come with them.
The decision to legalize hemp products opened the door to an industry worth billions. A wide range of THC-infused products, from gummies to vapes to drinks, exploded onto the market. This growth is largely attributed to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which allowed states to roll back restrictions on hemp.
In Texas, it quickly became a multibillion-dollar industry, drawing both excitement and concerns. Key lawmakers argue that the boom has gone too far. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the leaders pushing for the ban, calls THC products a “poison.” He claims they are being marketed to children and young adults, and this is fueling a public health crisis. With reports of increased use among teenagers, the state believes it is time to step in.
Texas Tribune / Key lawmakers argue that the boom has gone too far. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the leaders pushing for the ban, calls THC products a “poison.”
Safety Concerns on the Rise
The primary concern surrounding THC products is their safety. Critics argue that these products, many of which are marketed as fun and harmless, could pose serious health risks. Medical research links THC to respiratory issues, seizures, and in some cases, mental health problems like schizophrenia and psychosis.
Plus, there is also the lack of regulations: currently, anyone can buy THC products without an age restriction.
Lt. Gov. Patrick isn’t alone in his push for a ban. He believes the risks of consuming THC products outweigh the benefits, especially given how widely available they are. With little regulation in place, Patrick and others argue that the state’s primary responsibility is to protect public health, even if it means cutting down on a major industry.
Stricter Regulations vs. a Full Ban
While the Senate recently passed a bill that would ban most THC products, people are calling for more regulation rather than a full-scale ban. State Sen. José Menéndez, a Democrat from San Antonio, is one of the most vocal opponents of the ban.
He believes that stricter regulations, such as age restrictions or clearer labeling, would be more effective in ensuring safety without eliminating the industry altogether.
E News / Regulation might be a better solution for many businesses involved in the THC products market. If the ban moves forward, companies could be forced to close their doors, leaving thousands of people without jobs.
In fact, some suppliers argue that the state’s actions are more about political points than protecting public health. With THC products generating millions in tax revenue and creating jobs, the stakes are high for businesses and consumers alike.
The Market Could Face a Drastic Change
Texas is home to a booming THC market, and the numbers show just how much money is at stake. Estimates vary, but the market could be worth anywhere from $5.5 billion to $8 billion annually. That means billions in tax revenue and thousands of jobs tied to the THC products industry.
However, the new bill threatens to turn the tables. If passed, it would mark a drastic shift in the state’s cannabis policy, especially since Texas has been slow to embrace marijuana legalization. The push for a ban signals a major reversal from a once-promising market, and it is raising fears that the state’s strict laws on cannabis will only tighten further.
For now, Texas remains in limbo. The Senate bill has passed, but it still needs approval from the House before it can become law. If it moves forward, it could dramatically change the landscape of the THC products market. Texas suppliers like Melanne Carpenter, who operates Serenity Organics in Missouri City, fear that a ban would decimate local businesses.
