Texas lawmakers took a major step toward banning all forms of intoxicating THC, passing Senate Bill 3 in a bipartisan vote on Wednesday. The bill, led by Sen. Charles Perry, would outlaw popular cannabis compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, which have been widely available in CBD shops across the state.
Under the bill, the only cannabinoids still legal for retail sale would be CBD and CBG. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who announced the bill’s passage, emphasized that it does not affect Texas’ medical marijuana program, the Compassionate Use Program.
Closing the Cannabis Loophole
For years, cannabis retailers in Texas have used a loophole in federal and state hemp laws to sell products with various forms of THC. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 and Texas House Bill 1325 (2019) legalized hemp with a 0.3% Delta-9 THC cap, but they didn’t explicitly restrict other THC compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-10, which can produce similar psychoactive effects.
Cannabis companies took advantage, creating a booming market for alternative THC products, especially in CBD shops. But law enforcement officials and state leaders argue these products are unregulated and dangerous, particularly for children.
The bill has sparked strong reactions from both sides. Supporters, including law enforcement officials, say closing this loophole is necessary to prevent unregulated and potentially harmful substances from being sold in Texas.”These stores are targeting children and selling unregulated forms of THC that threaten community safety,” Patrick said in support of the bill.
However, many business owners and veterans oppose the ban. John Burk, a combat veteran and CBD store owner, argued that THC provides relief for veterans and others dealing with chronic pain and PTSD, offering an alternative to addictive opioids.”If we want to have a blunt, it’s no different than having an old-fashioned and kicking back,” Burk said, emphasizing that Texans should have the choice.
Earlier this month, hundreds of people showed up at the Texas Capitol to voice their opinions on the bill, with over 170 signing up to testify.
Now that the Texas Senate has approved SB 3, the bill moves to the House of Representatives, where it will face further debate. If passed, it could have major implications for the state’s cannabis industry, forcing CBD shops to remove THC-infused products from their shelves.
As Texas moves toward stricter cannabis regulations, the future of THC in the state hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates as the bill progresses.
