Latest news with #SB3
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas THC ban: SB3 sent to Gov. Abbott for approval
The Brief The Texas Legislature has sent Senate Bill 3 to Gov. Abbott's desk for approval. The bill would ban all THC products in the state. Non-intoxicating CBD and CBG would still be allowed. AUSTIN - A bill banning THC products in the state of Texas is headed to Governor Greg Abbott's desk. On Sunday, the Texas Senate agreed to changes to Senate Bill 3 made by the House. The bill passed by a 25-6 vote. Dig deeper SB 3 will ban all cannabinoids in consumable hemp products except CBD and CBG. Businesses in the state were allowed to sell THC products after a 2019 expansion of the hemp industry in Texas opened a loophole. Those products included THC-laced edibles, drinks, vapes and more. SB 3 was passed by the Senate before being amended in the House, and was passed to its third and final reading earlier this week. Small business owners lead the pack in opposition of the bill. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a major proponent of the proposal, believes the thousands of businesses peddling the products are a detriment to the state. Owners and employees of those smoke and vape stores, on the other hand, are concerned about the loss of business, revenue and a fortune in tax dollars. More than 8,000 retailers in the state sell THC products, according to estimates. What's next The bill now goes to Governor Greg Abbott's desk for approval. If signed by the governor, the law would take effect in September. The bill does not put an end to Texas' Compassionate Use Program, which allows for medicinal marijuana for a limited number of conditions. House Bill 46 looked to expand those conditions. On Sunday night, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced he struck a deal with Rep. Tom Oliverson to include chronic pain as one of the conditions. Patients in hospice and with a terminal illness would also be included. The bill would also increase the number of licensed medical marijuana dispensers. The Source Information in this article comes from the Texas Legislature, statements made by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and analysis of Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 46.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls dispensary reacts to potential hemp ban
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — As bills continue to make their way through the Texas legislature, a couple of them may disrupt the THC industry in Texas. Senate Bill 3 would ban the Texas hemp industry. However, this bill doesn't affect the state's compassionate use program. Meanwhile, another bill looks to expand the program, which allows people with certain medical conditions to get THC products at lower doses than what is sold at most dispensaries. SB 3 was introduced to the Texas legislature and was aimed at regulating hemp THC products. However, a last-minute amendment in the House changed the proposed regulations to a total ban. The potential total ban leaves dispensaries in limbo. 'We have about four employees here, so pretty much their positions will be done,' Texas Cannabis Co. Owner Carlos Lopez said. 'We wouldn't be able to sustain the business with, you know, 90% of our inventory being illegal after September.' Lt. Governor Dan Patrick began his push for the ban in 2024.. He cited abuse of the agriculture law and the sale of high-THC products to minors. Lopez believes heavier regulation of cannabis products is a better avenue than a total ban, as his dispensary only sells to people 21 and older. 'Everybody that we dealt with, like here, the metroplex, like wholesale suppliers there, they were avoiding that just to keep from even having this problem.' Without ready access to hemp THC products, Lopez fears the lower dosages through the Texas Compassionate Use Program might not satisfy the needs of the consumer. 'If they can't get the compassionate use right away, like, you know, maybe they might go and put themselves in a risky situation where they're trying to get stuff off the black market,' Lopez said. Lopez hopes the revenue generated by the cannabis industry might be enough to sway lawmakers at the last minute. 'I don't know. We'll just see whenever we get there if it happens or maybe Greg Abbott steps in and vetoes it, and you know he realizes the economic implications of it,' Lopez said. 'That's the main part I'm worried about because we're really losing a lot of money.' Regardless of Abbott's decision, by May 28, Texas dispensaries will know the final outcome of SB 3. Last year, a similar bill in Florida was vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis, and lawmakers instead chose to adopt more regulatory measures, which allow for the sale of hemp THC products statewide. Although the THC ban has passed the House, another bill, House Bill 46, looks to expand the Compassionate Use Program. It was originally intended to get low THC products to people with certain conditions, such as epilepsy. However, HB 46 would also make products available to people with conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, or traumatic brain injuries. Honorably discharged veterans would also be included, with the state acknowledging that veterans may have particular treatment needs. The bill would also issue dispensing licenses to at least one location in each of the state's public health regions while providing the flexibility for each licensed location to establish satellite locations to cover more ground. As of publication, HB 46 has already passed in the House, and it is now awaiting a decision in the Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas reps rally against Senate amendment pruning medical marijuana expansion
The Brief The Texas Senate has passed an amendment that narrows the scope of a bill expanding medical marijuana use, reducing eligible patients. The Senate's version cuts conditions like chronic pain and traumatic brain injury, which were included in the House-passed bill. Texas House representatives are expressing strong disapproval, vowing to fight for the original, broader expansion. AUSTIN - An amendment passed by the Texas Senate to a bill defining medical marijuana use in the state greatly reduces applicable patients compared to the version passed by the House. Some Texas representatives are less than happy about the change. The backstory HB 46, or the Compassionate-Use Program (TCUP) bill, would expand Texas' limited medical marijuana program for applicable users. The House on May 13 passed a version of the bill that would have included in the expansion honorably discharged veterans who would benefit from use, those experiencing chronic pain, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, spinal neuropathy, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases, degenerative disc disease and patients with a terminal illness or condition for which a patient is receiving hospice of palliative care. The House passed the bill 122-21. What's Changed On Friday night, the Senate Committee on State Affairs added a new amendment to the proposed legislation that would reduce the new list of applicable users. The amended version would cut chronic pain, TBI and other conditions from those included in the new parameters. It also dramatically cuts the number of new licenses to be issued. What they're saying Rep. Daniel Alders (R-Tyler) began the House's outcry on X by expanding on a post explaining the changes to the bill. "One of the main reasons why many representatives voted yes on SB3 was because the Texas House passed legislation specifically expanding TCUP," Alders said on the social media platform. "At minimum the Senate needs to expand the program to include: - Chronic pain and TBI traumatic brain injury - More license holders - Prescription by mail. We must get this right." Rep. Katrina Pierson (R-Rockwall) said on X that she agrees "100%" with Alders' statement. Rep. Tim Oliverson (R-Cypress), one of the authors of HB 46, also expressed displeasure at the altering of the proposal. "I am deeply disappointed in the removal of chronic pain and TBI from the Senate version of HB46. I am working tirelessly to get it back in the bill," Oliverson said on X. "Without these qualifying conditions and more access than what is currently contemplated, I am concerned about the effect of SB3 on Texans with legitimate medical conditions." Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) also spoke out on X. "Last week I voted to expand TCUP, the Texas Compassionate Use Program," Schatzline said. "I hope & believe that the Senate will keep the expansion for: - Chronic pain and TBI traumatic brain injury - More license holders - Prescription by mail." Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), the current Speaker of the House, reposed each of these statements on his X account. Burrows has yet to post a statement of his own. At the time of the statements, Burrows was presiding over a House hearing. Dig deeper A sweeping bill equating to a near-total ban on THC products is currently nearing the governor's approval. SB 3 would prohibit the sale or use of THC products that were legalized via a loophole created in a 2019 expansion of the hemp industry in Texas. SB 3 was passed by the Senate before being amended in the House, and was passed to its third and final reading this week. Small business owners are leading the pack in opposition of the bill. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a major proponent of the proposal, believes the thousands of businesses peddling the products are a detriment to the state. Owners and employees of those smoke and vape stores, on the other hand, are concerned about the loss of business, revenue and a fortune in tax dollars. What's next Now that an amended substitute to HB 46 has passed out of committee, it must next be heard before the full Senate. If passed, the bill would then be sent back to the House, where it may be either passed in its new form or reverted to the original text. If the House and Senate cannot come to an agreement on the provisions in the bill, the proposed legislation will not make it to the governor's desk. The Source Information in this article comes from Texas Legislature Online and public X accounts for Texas elected officials.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers vote to gut booming hemp industry, sparking backlash
Texas is on the verge of banning nearly all intoxicating hemp products after the Republican-controlled state Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill to outlaw the sale and possession of THC-infused hemp consumables, including edibles, oils and vapes. The move threatens to devastate the state's $4 billion hemp industry, which includes over 8,000 businesses and tens of thousands of workers – although industry leaders have vowed to mount legal challenges should Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sign it into law. As of now, Abbott has not publicly endorsed or opposed the proposed ban, but the Texas Hemp Business Council have called for him not to sign it. Texas Ag Sues Dallas For Decriminalizing Marijuana "We urge Governor Abbott to reject CSSB 3 and protect the tens of thousands of hardworking Texans, including veterans like Dave Walden, who rely on hemp-derived cannabinoids for their wellness," the council said following Wednesday's vote. The state House voted to ban almost all hemp products Wednesday in a 95-44 vote, a stunning reversal after it previously advanced legislation that sought to regulate the products rather than ban them. Read On The Fox Business App The state Senate passed the bill, (SB 3), in March with a 24–7 vote. The bill is a top priority for Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick who has described the products a "major public health threat," particularly to children. "I've never been more passionate about anything," Patrick said in a video posted to social media earlier this week. He threatened to call legislators back to the Capitol for a special session if they did not approve of the ban. "If we leave Austin this session and we don't ban these products for the next two to three years, we're going to see lives destroyed," Patrick said. Federal Judge Green Lights New York Marijuana Licensing Despite 'Disaster' Legal Cannabis Market Rollout He said the products are highly potent and can be easily accessed by minors. Just one House Republican, Rep. Brian Harrison, voted against the proposal. "I believe SB3 unnecessarily grows government, restricts the freedom of adults, and may have serious and harmful unintended consequences such as shuttering thousands of small businesses and pushing adults, who want or rely on hemp products, to more addictive and deadly pharmaceuticals or to the black market," Harrison wrote on X. "SB3 exceeds the proper role of government and may ban many products that President Trump legalized in 2018." Critics argue the bill is a political power play that will destroy small businesses and increase criminal penalties beyond those for marijuana. Lukas Gilkey, the chief executive of Hometown Hero, a manufacturer of hemp-derived products, said he plans on following a lawsuit. "Immediately, we are going to be prepping for a lawsuit. Texas Hemp Business Council has resources allocated for this specific purpose," Gilkey said in post on X. The House made some changes to the Senate version, so the bill must return to the Senate for final approval unless the House accepts the Senate's original version entirely. Only after that will it go to Governor Greg Abbott for signature or veto. Under Senate bill, the penalties for possessing banned hemp products would be more severe than for marijuana possession. For instance, possession of non-compliant hemp products would be punishable by up to one year in jail. In comparison, marijuana possession of under 2 ounces is currently a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in article source: Texas lawmakers vote to gut booming hemp industry, sparking backlash
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas House gives initial approval on bill to ban all THC products
The Brief Texas House gives initial approval to Senate Bill 3 that would ban all THC products in the state Those in possession of hemp products could also face fines and jail times If the bill passes, it will head to the governor's desk AUSTIN, Texas - Lawmakers in the Texas House have given the initial approval to a bill that will push the state closer to banning all THC products. The controversial Senate Bill 3 would not only ban the sale of some hemp products, but those in possession could face fines and jail time. The backstory Lawmakers in the Texas House gave initial approval to the anti-hemp bill backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "This is poisonous THC, no regulations whatsoever. No one knows what's in it and it is more powerful as you will hear a little bit later in this video than what you can buy from a drug dealer on the street," Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. SB 3 will ban all cannabinoids in consumable hemp products except CBD and CBG. The Senate passed the bill in March. The other side "SB 3 is a real, real problem for our business. It's basically going to ban 90% of what we sell, if not more. We employ around 20 employees," says Green Herbal Care Owner, Oz Millman. Oz Millman is the owner of Green Herbal Care, and one of the many small businesses calling for the governor to reject SB 3. "We have rents in six locations, leases for five years, and we're going to lose 90% percent of our income," says Millman. Veterans and small businesses in Austin argue the legislation will interfere with treating the physical and mental health of those who use the products. "We consider hemp-derived consumables with THC one of several alternatives to opioids and antidepressants that we want veterans, and frankly everybody, to have with their care," says Texas VFW National and State Legislative Chairman Mitch Fuller. "Some of our customers are looking for some relief, some are using it for recreational use," says Millman. The bill would make it a crime for those in possession of hemp products with THC, punishable by jail time and or a fine, depending on the amount. "That's overreach, and we got fentanyl, you know, we got all these illegal drugs that are on the street, and you're concentrating on hemp, really that's kind of the frustration," says Fuller. "You definitely push people to go to the black market and commit felonies that are not really felonies. Prohibition was never a solution," says Millman. Millman says he is working on a plan in case the bill is signed into law. "We're also thinking about leaving the state. To a different state. For example, in Florida, the governor vetoed a similar bill because he cared about the people and the will of the people. We don't want to leave Texas. Texas is our home. Don't push us to this direction," says Millman. What's next If the bill passes the Texas House, it will head to the governor's desk. The Source Information from the Texas legislative session
