Texas House passes near-total ban on hemp-derived THC

Texas’ estimated $5.5 billion market in hemp-derived THC is in mortal danger after the state House approved a blanket ban on intoxicating products.The ban, pushed by Lt.

Gov.Dan Patrick and approved by the state Senate in March, passed the House by a 86-53 vote on Wednesday night.

ADVERTISEMENT Though a final House vote on Senate Bill 3 is scheduled for Thursday, it’s expected to pass and the ban is likely to be signed into law by Gov.Greg Abbott, according to the Houston Chronicle.

“We are banning high,” Republican state Rep.Tom Oliverson said, according to the Dallas Morning News.

“If it gets you high, it is not legal anymore.” ‘Dismantles the legal hemp industry’ in Texas The Texas Hemp Business Council lamented the bill, saying in a statement that the measure “dismantles the legal hemp industry and ignores the voices of small businesses, farmers, veterans and consumers across the state who rely on hemp-derived products for their livelihoods and well-being.” “Despite overwhelming testimony and clear data demonstrating the safety and economic value of federally legal hemp-derived cannabinoids, lawmakers have chosen a path that eliminates an entire sector of our economy, one that generates $4.3 billion in retail sales, 53,300 jobs and $268 million in tax revenue.” Estimates of the size of the Texas market vary, but annual revenue from as many as 8,500 retailers across the state likely exceeds $5.5 billion, according to an analysis from Oregon-based Whitney Economics. ADVERTISEMENT It’s not yet clear what recourse hemp interests in the state might have or whether litigation would temporarily block implementation of the ban if Abbott signs it into law.

Texas ban follows California After years of hemp-derived THC drinks, gummies and smokable THCA flower proliferating across Texas – and creating what’s understood to be the biggest U.S.ma...