On Thursday (5/22) the House reversed course and passed an outright BAN on most consumable hemp products. Rep. Tom Oliverson successfully amended the bill to revert to the Senate’s original, sweeping prohibition language. The amendment passed 86-53, reinstating provisions that ban not just hemp-derived THC, but all cannabinoids except isolated CBD and CBG.
Two minor amendments were adopted, one to protect hemp research at universities and another (thanks to Rep. Joe Moody!) that reduced penalties from a Class A to Class C Misdemeanor for possession of unlawful consumable hemp products. Any criminal penalties for federally legal hemp are excessive, but we’re grateful to see penalties reduced.
On Sunday (5/25) the Senate concurred with the minor changes made to SB 3 in the House, sending the hemp prohibition bill to Governor Abbott for his approval…or VETO.
If allowed to pass into law, SB 3 would re-criminalize millions of Texans who currently enjoy federally legal hemp products responsibly. We would have preferred a system of robust regulation, but we can not stand by while Texas plunges into a painfully familiar era of prohibition.
Because this bill will cause far more harm than good, please join us in calling on Governor Greg Abbott to VETO SB 3!