Texas House signals it will ban THC products, exceptions for Compassionate Use Program
The members of the House had to address whether or not the state would remove products with THC or heavily regulate them, making sure they are not packaged in a way to entice children.
State Rep. Ken King, R- Canadian, laid out his bill Wednesday night which would have banned synthetic THC, like Delta 8, and edibles and snacks that contain THC. However, it would legalize drinks with less than 0.3% THC, which is the federal limit, but would require strict testing to make sure manufacturers are not going over that limit.
The bill would also not allow stores that sell these products to be near schools, a concern for Republicans like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has called for the complete ban of THC products. State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R- Cypress, offered an amendment do just that. Oliverson said his bill is not banning hemp, which can be used for agricultural purposes, but is actually 'banning high.'
Some members who are veterans raised questions about the veteran population that uses THC products to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Currently the state has the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), which gives some people access to low-THC products to treat certain conditions, but there are complaints it is not expansive enough. Oliverson's amendment would not impact the products used in the TCUP.
King passed a bill to expand TCUP, HB 46, but doubts were raised on the House floor that it may not be approved in the Senate. As debate and questions were thrown on the House floor about TCUP, Lt. Gov. Patrick posted on social media, 'I am in full support of expanding the TCUP. We will expand licenses and have satellite locations for the first time for prescribed products from doctors for our veterans and those in need.'
The House ended up going with Oliverson's version of the bill in an 83-56 vote.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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