Texas officials defend prohibition of THC at press event displaying THC-infused treats
In the final stages of the 89th Texas legislative session, lawmakers are rushing to get their bills through the House and Senate before reaching the governor's desk. Noteworthy among these bills are two pieces of legislation backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has been focusing on regulating THC products this year.
Standing before a selection of THC-laced edibles, Patrick articulated his aims this session, emphasizing his commitment to "save an entire generation from being hooked on drugs." One bill he particularly mentioned is Senate Bill 3, penned by State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock). This legislation, if enacted, would outlaw all consumable THC products, including gummies, vapes, and other cannabis derivatives that induce intoxication. The bill has already been approved by the legislature and is now waiting for Governor Greg Abbott's approval.
Reflecting on his conviction that Abbott will endorse the legislation, Patrick stated, "I know where his heart lies, and I know his desire to safeguard children and adults."
Initiated in 2019, Texas legalized purchasing, possessing, and selling hemp products, leading to significant growth in the industry. Senator Perry, however, has been advocating for overturning this law since then, citing lost lives and ruined lives as reasons for his persistence.
Under the proposed legislation, non-psychoactive cannabis derivatives like CBD and CBG would still be legal. These products would be required to be packaged in child-resistant containers.
Patrick and Perry's concerns revolve around children's access to such products. In March, Patrick visited shops selling THC consumables to ensure they were properly verifying ages. During one such visit to an Austin CBD shop, The Happy Cactus Apothecary, an employee requested to see Patrick's ID for age verification, despite his identity.
Critics of the proposed legislation, including some veterans' groups, argue that individuals who consume THC may use it to alleviate chronic pain. However, a separate bill, House Bill 46, is intended to expand the pool of individuals eligible for the Compassionate Use Program, which offers medical-grade cannabis products to patients with specific medical issues, such as cancer or PTSD. Under HB 46, those with chronic pain would be permitted to apply. The bill is currently undergoing amendments by the House before being sent to the governor.
Katharine Neill Harris, a drug policy fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, believes HB 46 will make medical cannabis more accessible. "I think we will see an increase in people who have been taking marijuana, unofficially, who can now be brought into the program and have access to these high-quality products," she said.
- The proposed policy-and-legislation, supported by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), aims to outlaw all consumable health-and-wellness products containing THC, including gummies, vapes, and other intoxicating cannabis derivatives.
- The legislation, if enacted, would still allow non-psychoactive cannabis derivatives like CBD and CBG, which would be contained in child-resistant packages to limit access by children.
- Critics of the legislation argue that THC products may be beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain, but a separate bill, House Bill 46, is being proposed to expand the Compassionate Use Program, making medical-grade cannabis products more accessible to those with specific medical issues.
- In the realm of Texas politics, the general-news highlights the ongoing debates surrounding mental-health, health-and-wellness, and policy-and-legislation, particularly the competing interests on allowing THC products for recreational or medicinal use.
