Save Texas’ legal hemp industry: Urge Gov Greg Abbott to veto SB3
- North Shore Democrats of Travis County
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Both houses of the Texas Legislature passed SB3, which would ban all products containing delta-8 cannabinoid, also known as THC. If signed into law, this likely spells the end for the state’s roughly $8 billion hemp industry, and inevitable joblessness for the 53,000 people it employs. It will also cause distress to sufferers of chronic pain who may feel they’ve no choice but to self-medicate with illegal substances, hardcore opioids, or counterproductive alcohol.
However, Governor Greg Abbott has yet to sign the bill, and has not yet signaled whether he will. The deadline for signing or vetoing is June 22.
You can help by calling and emailing the governor, and by signing the petition urging Gov Abbott to VETO this harmful bill.
Here’s how:
CONTACT THE GOVERNOR: Please also take these two steps:
1) Call Gov. Abbott's office: (512) 463-2000
2) Email Governor Abbott, and ask him to VETO SB 3! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/call-on-governor-abbott-to-veto-sb-3?source=direct_link&
SIGN THE PETITION:
“The petition calling on Governor Abbott to VETO SB 3 now has more than 127,000 signatures! Have you signed yet? Add your name!
We, the undersigned citizens of Texas, call on Governor Abbott to reject SB 3 and any proposals banning products containing legal hemp,” the petition says. “Hemp is not a threat but a resource that helps countless Texans lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
“SB 3 would deprive Texans of natural alternatives for treating chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders throughout the state,” it adds. “A hemp ban also threatens small businesses and farmers in Texas who depend on hemp production for their livelihoods.”
Rather than outlaw products outright, the petition says the legislature should “support additional, thoughtful regulation, such as age restrictions for purchasing, and child-resistant packaging, that ensure product safety without the elimination of these products for Texans.”
Find the petition here: https://texashempbusinesscouncil.com/petition/
Earlier this week, advocates hosted a dramatic press conference led by veterans from the Texas VFW and Texas Hemp Business Council. Together, they delivered thousands of hand-written letters and nearly 120,000 petitions from Texas voters.
Earlier this week, advocates hosted a dramatic press conference led by veterans from the Texas VFW and Texas Hemp Business Council. Together, they delivered thousands of hand-written letters and nearly 120,000 petitions from Texas voters.
Gov. Abbott has until June 22 to take action on SB 3. Will he sign the bill and shut down the hemp industry as we know it, or will he VETO SB 3?!
In addition to shutting down a thriving industry and devastating thousands of law-abiding small businesses, SB 3 would criminalize the possession federally legal and widely available hemp products.
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
-- Proponents of SB3, including Lt Gov Dan Patrick, stress safety for children. It is interesting that Patrick accepted $275,000 from beer-industry interests.
For reference, liquor stores must be at least 300 feet from schools. Sale of legal cannabinoid must be at least 1,000 feet from schools.
-- Outlawing hemp-derived cannabinoid products will hurt veterans, seniors, medical patients and everyday consumers.
“Banning legal hemp would cause irreversible harm to communities across the state,” the organization Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars said on social media on Wednesday, drawing attention to a petition urging Abbott to reject the measure that was sent to him early this week. “Stand up for your rights and livelihoods.”
-- Medicinal applications abound:
Anti-inflammatory: Potentially helpful for conditions like arthritis or inflammation-related disorders.
Neuroprotective properties: May offer protection to brain cells.
Potential to slow cancer cell growth: Early research suggests this possibility, though more studies are needed.
Other potential benefits: May help with conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and stimulate appetite.
Safe and effective treatment options for patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other debilitating conditions.
Alignment with the 2018 Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill distinguishes hemp and its derivatives based on their Delta-9 THC content. Since THCA is not Delta-9 THC in its raw form, it's argued that products derived from legal hemp and containing THCA may be compliant with federal law.
Some legal interpretations, supported by court rulings, indicate that only Delta-9 THC levels are considered, not total THC (which includes THCA).
Consumer Demand and Economic Benefits
There's growing consumer interest in THCA products driven by their perceived health benefits.
The expansion of the hemp industry, facilitated by the legal sale of THCA products, can offer economic advantages.
Alternative to Traditional Medications
THCA offers a unique pharmacological profile compared to traditional pharmaceuticals.
It is naturally derived from the cannabis plant and may have fewer side effects than some conventional medications.
Texas lawmakers legalized the sale of consumable hemp in 2019, following enactment of the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized the plant nationwide. That’s led to an explosion of products—including edibles, drinks, vape products and cured flower—sold by an estimated 8,000 retailers.
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