Latest news with #hempindustry
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
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
California Governor Seeks Permanent Ban On Hemp THC Products
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration hopes to make a controversial temporary ban on ... More intoxicating hemp products permanent, according to a notice from the state health department. The administration of California Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking a permanent ban on consumable hemp products that contain THC, according to a rulemaking proposal the state health department released on Friday and reported on by SFGate. The ban would make permanent temporary emergency regulations enacted last year over the objections of hemp business operators, who argue that the rules threaten the viability of California's hemp industry. Newsom first proposed the ban on hemp products with THC, the compound largely responsible for the well-known 'high' associated with marijuana, in September. The emergency regulations limit the sale of hemp foods, beverages and dietary supplements to consumers aged 21 and older and set a limit of five servings per package for such products. The rules from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also prohibit products that contain any detectable amount of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, including many CBD products already being used by California consumers. The governor said at the time that the emergency regulations were needed to protect children from intoxicating hemp products, which are generally considered legal under the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Consumable hemp products are not regulated by the federal government, however, leading many smoke shops, gas stations and other retailers to offer products containing delta-8 THC and other psychoactive compounds. California Gov. Gavin Newsom 'We will not sit on our hands as drug peddlers target our children with dangerous and unregulated hemp products containing THC at our retail stores,' Newsom said in September when he announced the ban. 'We're taking action to close loopholes and increase enforcement to prevent children from accessing these dangerous hemp and cannabis products.' The emergency regulations went into effect on September 23 and were extended in March. Last month, Newsom announced the ban on hemp THC was more than 99% effective in eradicating intoxicating hemp products from California alcohol retailers. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from CDPH released last week seeks to permanently extend the rules in place since last year. In the notice, the health department acknowledges that the rules will have a negative effect on the California economy. CDPH estimates that the rules will lead to a $602 million decrease in revenue for California businesses over the first 12 months and a $3.14 billion reduction over five years. The hemp THC ban is also likely to lead to 100 hemp manufacturing business closures and the loss of 18,478 jobs over five years. State tax revenue would take a hit of $192 million, according to the CDPH estimate. The ban on intoxicating hemp products is supported by many in the regulated cannabis industry, who face stiff regulations and steep taxes. Laura A. Bianchi, co-founding partner of the cannabis and psychedelic law firm Bianchi and Brandt, says that it is 'incredibly important to be cognizant of the economic challenges facing small businesses and the importance of job preservation, but not at the expense of public health and safety.' 'Currently, intoxicating hemp products are being manufactured and sold without being subject to the same testing, quality control, or regulatory oversight as products within the licensed cannabis industry,' Bianchi writes in an email. 'This regulatory gap leaves consumers extremely vulnerable, as there are no assurances that these products are even safe for consumption.' 'To address this, these products should fall under the existing state-regulated cannabis framework or in the case of low-THC beverages, perhaps a separate regulatory program is created,' she continues. 'There is a path forward that allows for the continued availability of these products, but it needs to include clear standards, mandatory testing, and enforceable safeguards to ensure consumer safety and public confidence.' Lou Samuels, CEO of licensed cannabis delivery service Golden State Canna, says that he is 'categorically in favor of requiring THC to be sold through the regulated channel regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or derived from cannabis, since the end compound is exactly the same and claiming a difference is clearly exploiting a loophole.' 'I am not however, in favor of requiring hemp derived CBD to have no detectable trace of THC in order to be sold OTC and not at a dispensary,' he writes in an email. 'While selfishly I recognize it would be good for business, I think keeping the cost of CBD down for the public is important, and closing the hemp derived THC loophole is possible without onerous over regulation of legitimate CBD products, which are sure to be mailed into' California from unregulated sources. The CDPH proposal to make the ban on intoxicating hemp products permanent is now in a 45-day public written comment period. The agency has also scheduled a hearing on the proposal for July 28 in Sacramento.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Hemp industry among those urging Gov. Greg Abbott to veto bill that bans THC products in Texas
On the final day of the Texas legislative session, the hemp industry, veterans, and other advocates urged Gov. Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3, which would ban THC products in the state. The legislation, a top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference in the state Capitol on June 08, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Abbott and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw joined bill authors, sponsors, legislators and law enforcement members in the signing of bills aimed at enhancing southern border security. BRANDON BELL / Getty Images As of Monday, Abbott had not indicated whether he would sign or veto the bill. Opponents deliver 100,000 letters Opponents gathered at the Capitol Monday morning, delivering boxes they said contained 100,000 letters urging the governor to reject the measure. Veterans, Democrats, and some conservatives held a news conference to voice their opposition, arguing that the bill would harm Texans who rely on hemp-derived products for relief from pain and other conditions. Under SB 3, retailers would be limited to selling only non-intoxicating cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG. Supporters cite public health risks CBS News Texas Supporters of the bill, including Patrick, argue it is necessary to protect public health. At a news conference last week, Patrick displayed several products that would be banned under the legislation, which is set to take effect Sept. 1 if signed into law. Aubree Adams, founder of Safe and Healthy Texas, spoke at a separate news conference Monday afternoon in support of the bill. "This bill is a collection bill to get rid of the poison that is synthetic THC," Adams said. "This drug operation is an all-out assault on Texas families and schools." Social media voices opposition Meanwhile, social media users have joined the debate. One man, identified as Johnny Lyon, posted on X: "I use the hemp products successfully. I want you to veto SB 3 because my wife and I like these products. They help with arthritis and help with other aches and pains." Medical marijuana program expands In a related development, lawmakers also passed a bill expanding the state's medical marijuana program, increasing the number of dispensaries and qualifying conditions. Watch Eye on Politics at 7:30 a.m. Sunday on CBS News Texas, on air and streaming. Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack
