Senate Passes THC Ban, Ignoring Abbott's Call for Regulation

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The passage of HB 5 raises significant concerns about enforcement, consumer safety, and the state’s commitment to freedom and personal responsibility. Advocates warn that pushing the hemp market underground will lead to unregulated, unsafe products and do nothing to prevent youth access — the very issue the bill claims to address.

In the House, Chairman Gary VanDeaver introduced HB 5. Except for the mail delivery amendment, HB 5 is identical to SB 5. The Chairman has made it clear to members of the Public Health Committee that this bill is a "starting point." The committee will have to make a BIG decision: support Dan Patrick's prohibition campaign or stand Gov. Abbott and the nearly 80% of Texans who support regulation rather than criminalization. A hearing is expected next week, but has not been announced and we will only receive 24 hours notice.

If you have valuable testimony to share with the committee to aid in their decision, please prepare to be at the Capitol on short notice. Prepare your written testimony now, plan to bring 20 copies of your testimony for committee members, and expect a 2 minute limit for oral testimony. This hearing represents a pivotal moment for freedom and free markets. Dress professionally, try not to repeat other witnesses, keep your testimony personal, and always remain respectful.

Sen. Charles Perry's THC prohibition bill - SB 5 - is moving very quickly. The controversial legislation was introduced on the first day of the special session and immediately scheduled for a hearing the next morning. In spite of the last minute hearing, advocates from across the state traveled to Austin to testify and voice opposition to SB 5. Video of the full hearing can be found here.

Even after hours of compelling testimony, the Senate State Affairs committee voted unanimously to approve SB 5, advancing the bill to the Texas Senate for a vote. The Senate meets on Thursday (7/24) and is expected to vote on SB 5. If passed, the bill will then move on to the Texas House for consideration. 

TAKE ACTION: Contact your Senator and ask them to vote NO on SB 5!

Heather Fazio is a dedicated cannabis advocate with a strong track record of advancing reform efforts in Texas. With a passion for individual liberty and responsible policy, she has worked extensively to educate lawmakers, mobilize grassroots support, and collaborate with coalition partners to drive meaningful change.

Heather has played a key role in organizing training events, legislative briefings, lobby days, and educational exhibits, equipping advocates with the tools they need to engage effectively in the policymaking process. Her leadership in building strategic alliances has helped elevate the conversation around cannabis policy, ensuring that patient rights, personal freedoms, and responsible regulations remain at the forefront of legislative discussions.

Through her years of advocacy, Heather has become a trusted voice in Texas cannabis policy, bridging the gap between the public, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders to foster informed decision-making and meaningful reform.