Latest news with #TexasHempCoalition
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hemp industry advocates respond to Texas THC ban, plea with Gov. Abbott to veto SB 3
The clock is ticking louder as the deadline is fast approaching for Texas' proposed hemp-derived THC ban bill. The bill - Senate Bill 3 — was authored by Lubbock Republican State Sen. Charles Perry to help close a loophole Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said was "exploited" to grow the THC market in Texas. However, the sweeping ban is set to impact the $8 billion hemp industry. Others are reading: Patrick, Perry defend proposed Texas THC ban after smoke shop exploit hemp loophole The bill has garnered backlash from both sides of the aisle, with hemp advocates calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to veto the bill, including the Texas Hemp Coalition. "The Texas Hemp Coalition is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3 before his midnight deadline on June 22nd. This is a deeply flawed measure that would devastate Texas' legal hemp industry and harm farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers across the state," reads a statement from the coalition. According to the organization, SB 3 would have the following impact on Texas: Eliminates Jobs — Over 50,000 jobs are at risk across farming, processing, retail, and manufacturing. Hurts Small Business — Hundreds of independently owned stores and operations could be forced to shut down. Contradicts Federal Law — SB 3 restricts hemp products legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Endangers Public Safety — Driving the industry underground removes consumer protections like testing, labeling, and age restrictions. Undermines Texas Agriculture — Many Texas farmers have invested heavily in hemp as a rotational crop and income stabilizer. Benefits Other States — Neighboring states with legal hemp markets will absorb displaced Texas customers and businesses. Pushes business to the illicit market with no checks and balances which doesn't protect our consumers and citizens. The coalition's executive director, Illissa Nolan, said in a statement that the hemp industry doesn't want a free pass but rather fair rules, and "supports strong, science-based regulation including age limits, robust testing, and clear labeling." "This bill overreaches, penalizes responsible businesses, and guts a legal industry that has grown under aclear federal and state regulatory framework," said Nolan. "Governor Abbott has a history of supporting small business and rural economies. We respectfully ask him to stand with us again and protect one of the most promising sectors of Texas agriculture and entrepreneurship.' Others are reading: Lt. Gov. Patrick, Sen. Perry tout legislative victories in Lubbock stop During the 89th Texas Legislature's regular session, the bill cleared the Senate 26-5, with it being amended in the House and passing 87-54. With the Senate agreeing to the House's amendment, the bill was sent to Abbott's desk on May 27, starting the clock. The governor has until June 22 to do one of the following: Sign it — it becomes law and is effective starting Sept. 1. Veto it — with the House having the chance to overturn the veto. Not sign it — still becomes law effective starting Sept. 1. Abbott has not tipped his hand as to which of the three options he is leaning towards as the deadline approaches. Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@ This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Hemp industry advocates urge Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to veto THC ban
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Texas hemp businesses brace for ban as governor weighs THC bill
Businesses selling hemp-derived THC products in Texas are in limbo as Gov. Greg Abbott faces a Sunday deadline to sign Senate Bill 3, which would ban most THC-infused consumables statewide. The bill, passed by the Legislature in May, would outlaw products containing Delta-8, Delta-9, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids, with exceptions only for CBD and CBG isolates 1. $8 billion industry at risk Over the past few years, the hemp industry has grown into an $8 billion market in Texas, supporting more than 53,000 jobs and generating over $267 million in tax revenue, according to the Texas Hemp Business Council 1. Candice Stinnett, owner of Emerald Organics in Fort Worth and a board member of the Texas Hemp Coalition, said the bill threatens the survival of thousands of small businesses like hers. Business owners push for regulation "We worked tirelessly since February, going down to the Capitol, having meetings with dozens of lawmakers and the speaker's office to come up with a regulation to just tighten up this industry," Stinnett said. She emphasized that the coalition supports regulation-not prohibition. "We do agree it needs to be an adult-use market. We do agree there should be milligram caps on products and no synthetic or converted cannabinoids-just pure, plant-derived cannabinoids," she said. SB 3 passes despite opposition Despite those efforts, SB 3 passed both chambers of the Legislature. Stinnett said the outcome was a major disappointment. Roughly 90% of the products sold at Emerald Organics would be banned under the bill. In response, Stinnett set up an information booth in her store where customers can sign a petition and write letters to the governor. Thousands of businesses affected According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, more than 8,600 businesses in Texas sell hemp products. The Texas Hemp Business Council estimates SB 3 could eliminate $4.3 billion in annual revenue and more than 50,000 jobs 1. Stinnett said she's unsure whether her business can survive if the bill becomes law. "Myself and the coalition, we're really hoping that Governor Abbott looks at those regulations and comes to, I guess, an agreement," she said.
