Yesterday in Austin, Sen. Charles Perry introduced Senate Bill 5, which closely reflects SB 3 from the regular session. The bill bans all cannabinoids other than CBD and CBG, creating criminal penalties for sales AND possession. Sen. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick remain dedicated to handing over the hemp industry to the illicit market and re-criminalizing simple possession. But Gov. Greg Abbott has called for regulations, NOT prohibition!
To ensure consumer protection, hold bad actors accountable, and prevent youth access to hemp-derived THC, our state should work to fill the gaps in our current regulatory infrastructure.
SB 5 was quickly referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee and immediately scheduled for a hearing with very little notice to the public. The committee will meet at 9am this morning to consider SB 5 and two other bills.
We can’t know exactly what time SB 5 will be up for consideration, so advocates are encouraged to:
- Arrive by 9am to sign up to speak or submit written testimony.
- Submit written testimony via email.
- Follow us on social for live updates throughout the day.
The committee meeting livestream will be available here starting at 9am.
A full overview of SB 5 can be found here.
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