Republicans in the Texas Legislature passed a ban on all forms of THC in Texas, destroying liberty and freedom of Texans, small businesses, jobs, and billions in revenue to the state of Texas. I have always been opposed to this government overreach, and that is why I voted no on the passage of Senate Bill 3.
I believe in smart regulation of these products to keep them out of the hands of children and to ensure safety for consumption. However, the version that passed was a step too far. The House version of SB 3 provided common sense regulation, supporting business, freedom, and safety. House Republicans hijacked this common-sense bill to push big government overreach with the full ban on synthetic THC. I believe that this bill will harm Texans, fuel black market sales, and empower the cartels.
What is now even worse, House Bill 46, which I was proud to support expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program, has been stripped of critical provisions including chronic pain as qualifying conditions in the Texas Senate. Day by day, Texas Republicans continue to strip freedoms away from Texans, limit healthcare access, and destroy small businesses across the state.
It is estimated that the THC/hemp industry employs 50,000 Texans and provides the state $8 billion in revenue. Governor Abbott should continue his strong track record of supporting small businesses in Texas, and I strongly urge him to veto this bill.