FROM THE EDITOR
State lawmakers desiring a total ban on consumable THC products are blowing smoke in the public’s collective face.
What makes more sense than shutting down thousands of Texas businesses is regulating the hemp trade similar to the controls in place for the alcohol industry.
Not only would the forced closures of the shops and outlets waste the time and money entrepreneurs and merchants have invested, but the curtailment of legally approved THC could also take a toll on the people who use the products in a legitimate fashion.
There are risks, but the same can be said for alcohol and tobacco, which is why they are strictly controlled.
The solution is simple: Continue or increase oversight of the industry by law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Statutes will be maintained and quality enforced, while Texas businesses will flourish and a businesses will not be relegated to back streets and alleyways.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and others are determined to derail these commercial operations, which provide jobs and put taxes back into local economies. Patrick and his supporters were thwarted during the 89th Legislature, but are vowing to make a go of it again in January during the next session.
Currently in Texas, there are stringent controls already.
The state prohibits smokable hemp, government agencies enforce strict licensing, manufacturers and retailers are already charged heavy licensing fees and vape pens containing THC oil are banned.
In addition, to buy a hemp-derived product you have to be 21 or older.
Gov. Greg Abbott during the last Legislature heard the concerns of hardworking Texas businesses and vetoed a statewide THC ban bill. Instead, he asked state agencies to increase restrictions.
The Texas Department of State Health Services implemented new regulations that took effect this spring, including childresistant packaging, updated labeling and testing requirements and better record keeping.
In addition, a ruling by the state Supreme Court May 1 upheld the state’s ban on products containing cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THCP.
That means consumers are relegated to ingestible and topical hemp products made with compliant delta-9 THC, Gummies, edibles and beverages with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight.
When the issue heats up next year, which is likely, the governor should again make sure efforts to shut down these Texas businesses blow away on the wind. In addition, residents can also contact their legislators and voice their objections to a total ban.
Agree? Disagree? Send your thoughts to thomas. [email protected]. We may run your comments as a letter to the editor, which we reserve the right to edit for length, taste and grammar.
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