Texas Special Session: Debate Over Banning THC and Hemp Products

The Rise of the Hemp Industry in Texas

• 💡 Candace Stanette opened Emerald Organics six years ago, now employing 11 people and offering a variety of hemp-derived products including drinks, topicals, tinctures, and edibles.
• 📈 The Texas hemp industry, legalized federally in 2018 and by the state in 2019, is estimated to have a $10 billion economic impact and support over 50,000 jobs.

Push to Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products

• ⚠️ Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is leading efforts to ban all intoxicating hemp products, citing concerns about unregulated, high-potency products being accessible to children.
• 🗣️ Supporters of the ban argue these products are "bad actors" and pose a risk, similar to the arguments made for SB3.

Opposition and Governor's Veto

• ⚖️ Texas Republican Brian Harrison voted against the ban, arguing that alcohol and tobacco are more harmful and that these hemp products became legal due to a federal action in 2018.
• 🚫 Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill that would have banned these THC products, putting him at odds with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and allowing businesses like Emerald Organics to continue operating.

Future of Hemp Regulation

• 💬 As lawmakers enter a special session, the Texas Hemp Coalition, including Stanette, advocates for more regulations rather than an outright ban.
• 💬 Stanette believes her customers will remain, regardless of the legislative outcome.