Texas Senator Charles Perry sat down with the Texas Tribune’s Matthew Watkins to discuss various issues, including one of his legislative priorities: cannabis policy.
While we share the senator’s concern about youth access and potentially dangerous products sailing under the radar of regulators, we oppose banning cannabis for responsible adult use. Such a ban would hand this multi-billion dollar industry over to the illicit market, abandoning all opportunity to enforce regulations.
In 2019, Sen. Perry sponsored Texas’ hemp legalization bill, aligning with federal law. While it was generally framed as an agricultural measure to support hemp as an industrial crop, the legislation also established a regulatory framework for consumable hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. In addition to federal oversight, these products are regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
During the interview, Sen. Perry said there are no quality controls or safety standards in place for consumable hemp products. But the law established a regulatory framework to protect consumers. All businesses are required to obtain a state license or registration to operate and are subject to inspections as well as random product sampling. All consumable hemp products must be tested for safety and include a certificate of analysis confirming ingredients, potency, and purity. There are significant opportunities for improvement, but there are mechanisms in place to protect consumers and hold bad actors accountable.
BACKGROUND: Following nationwide legalization, an influx of hemp producers flooded the CBD market, leading to oversaturation. The industry quickly evolved as cannabis laboratories began converting CBD into cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, which remain legal under both state and federal law. These alternatives to naturally occurring Delta-9 THC have fueled rapid market expansion.
By 2022, Texas’ hemp industry was valued at $8 billion, supporting an estimated 50,000 jobs. Given its continued growth, projections suggest it could exceed $10–15 billion in 2025. While Sen. Perry views these developments negatively, the industry’s adaptability has driven economic growth, job creation, and expanded consumer access to safe, regulated products.
Rather than dismantling a thriving sector of the Texas economy, refining regulations would enhance safety while supporting Texas businesses and fostering innovation in hemp-derived cannabinoids.
In addition to better regulatory enforcement from DSHS, some easily addressed regulatory gaps include:
- Age Restrictions: Limiting access to those 21+ to protect minors from products that can cause impairment.
- Child-Safe Packaging & Marketing: Preventing access and appeal to minors.
- Expanded Testing Standards: Ensuring out-of-state and international products meet Texas safety requirements, to include residual solvent testing.
Watch Sen. Perry’s interview here:
