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🌿 The Texas Hemp Industry Under Threat: SB 3's Impact on Veterans and the State

  • Writer: Bluntina Blaze
    Bluntina Blaze
  • May 22
  • 4 min read

The Texas hemp industry, once a beacon of economic growth and alternative wellness, faces a significant challenge with the introduction of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3). This legislation aims to ban all consumable hemp products containing any form of THC, including popular variants like Delta-8 and Delta-9. Such a move threatens not only the industry's viability but also the well-being of countless Texans, particularly veterans who rely on these products for therapeutic purposes.



🏛️ Understanding SB 3: A Comprehensive Ban

SB 3 proposes a sweeping prohibition on all consumable hemp products containing THC, sparing only non-intoxicating compounds like CBD and CBG. The bill introduces stringent penalties:

  • Possession: Up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

  • Manufacturing/Selling: Classified as a third-degree felony, carrying severe legal consequences.

These measures are more punitive than those for small-scale marijuana possession under current Texas law, raising concerns about proportionality and justice.



📉 Economic Implications: A Thriving Industry at Risk

Since the 2019 legalization of hemp products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, Texas's hemp industry has flourished, boasting over 8,000 businesses and contributing approximately $8 billion to the state's economy. SB 3 threatens to dismantle this burgeoning sector, leading to widespread business closures and job losses.

Critics argue that the ban contradicts Texas’ pro-business stance and imposes harsher penalties on hemp than on marijuana. Politico



🎖️ Veterans: Collateral Damage of SB 3

Veterans have been among the most vocal opponents of SB 3, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of THC products in managing conditions like PTSD and chronic pain. Mitch Fuller, legislative chairman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, highlighted that hemp-derived consumables have helped many veterans reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, stating, "This is not about getting high... it's about being able to function and be productive in our jobs and our families." FOX 7 Austin

The Texas VFW strongly opposes SB 3, viewing it as a ban on effective, affordable, and accessible alternatives to harmful pharmaceutical cocktails. Texas Cannabis Policy Center



🧪 Debunking the Bill's Justifications

1. "THC Products Are Being Marketed to Children"

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has claimed that THC products are being sold to minors and labeled them as "poison." However, there is scant evidence to support widespread targeting of children by reputable hemp businesses. Most industry players advocate for and adhere to strict age restrictions and child-resistant packaging. The issue lies not in the products themselves but in the lack of consistent regulation and enforcement.

2. "High THC Levels Pose Severe Health Risks"

Senator Charles Perry likened synthetic THC products to dangerous substances like K2 and bath salts, claiming they cause psychosis and paranoia. This comparison is misleading. Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and have been studied for their therapeutic benefits. Equating them with synthetic drugs lacks scientific basis and ignores the nuanced differences between these substances.

3. "The Hemp Market Has Been Exploited and Is Untrustworthy"

Critics argue that the hemp industry has misused the 2019 legalization to sell high-THC products. While it's true that some bad actors exist, this is not unique to the hemp industry. Rather than imposing an outright ban, a more effective approach would involve implementing stringent regulations, regular testing, and clear labeling to ensure product safety and integrity.



💊 The Texas Compassionate Use Program: An Inadequate Alternative

Proponents of SB 3 suggest that the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) can serve as an alternative for those needing THC products. However, the program has significant limitations:Houston ChronicleThe Texas Tribune

  • Limited Reach: As of 2024, only 32% of eligible doctors were knowledgeable about TCUP, and the program had approximately 66,000 patients, a fraction compared to states like Florida with over 840,000 patients. TCU 360+1Texas Original+1

  • High Costs: Patients report that low-THC products under TCUP are expensive, with some doses costing up to $25, making them inaccessible for many. neurodivergentrebel.substack.com

  • Limited Product Availability: The program offers a narrow range of products, often with low THC concentrations, which may not be effective for all patients.

These shortcomings suggest that TCUP is not a viable alternative for many Texans who rely on hemp-derived THC products for relief.



📝 Conclusion

SB 3 represents a significant shift in Texas's approach to hemp and THC products. While concerns about product safety and youth access are valid, an outright ban is a disproportionate response that disregards the benefits these products offer to many Texans, especially veterans. A balanced approach involving regulation, education, and enforcement would better serve public health and the economy.



📚 Works Cited



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