TEXAS (KXII) - A legislative proposal, known as a bill, that aims to ban all forms of THC, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the mind-altering effects found in cannabis, is currently progressing through the various stages of the Texas legislative process.
This bill has become a significant focus for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who has expressed his strong commitment to ensuring its passage. He has even stated that he will advocate for a special legislative session if necessary to secure its approval. The proposed legislation, referred to as Senate Bill 3, seeks to impose a prohibition on the retail sale of any cannabinoid products within the state of Texas, except CBD and CBG, which are non-intoxicating compounds derived from cannabis.
The bill specifically targets the banning of delta 8, delta 9, and all other forms of THC that have intoxicating effects. Lt. Governor Patrick highlighted that this particular business sector did not exist in Texas several years ago, until entrepreneurs discovered a loophole in the existing law that allowed it to flourish. He noted that, as a result, more than 8,000 smoke shops have emerged across the state in recent years.
Since 2019, the Republican-led legislature has approved the sale of consumable hemp, with a legal limit set at 0.03% THC content; any product exceeding this threshold is classified as marijuana. Sgt. Brandon Hughes from the Sherman Police Department explained that the lowest levels of THC concentration are intended to ensure that they do not mimic the high associated with marijuana. However, he cautioned that if a product contains a higher concentration of THC, it can function like any other intoxicant, potentially leading to impairment.
On the other hand, some individuals argue that THC serves as a means for people to relax and manage pain. In 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Compassionate Use Act, which allowed for the medical use of low-THC cannabis for certain qualifying conditions. The current bill is now under consideration by the Texas House State Affairs Committee, which will undergo further review and discussion.
