News Summary
The Texas House has approved a total ban on consumable hemp-based products containing THC, leaving local businesses and consumers in Denton concerned about the future. Key players in the local industry are voicing their apprehensions about the significant impact the legislation could have on their livelihoods. As the proposed ban proceeds to the Senate, community members are urged to advocate for reform and support local cannabis businesses that contribute greatly to the economy.
Texas has seen a significant legislative shift as the House has approved a bill to impose a total ban on consumable hemp-based products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in marijuana. The measure, known as Senate Bill 3, has yet to pass through the Senate again due to minor amendments before final approval from Governor Greg Abbott is possible. This legislative move raises substantial concerns among local business owners heavily reliant on the cannabis market.
Business leaders such as Hayden Meek, owner of Delta 8 Denton, are actively lobbying against the proposed ban, fearing it could jeopardize their businesses and livelihoods. Delta 8 Denton, located at 813 N. Locust St., is just one of the numerous local establishments likely to suffer adverse effects from the ban. Similarly, Mike Williams, co-founder of Wild Revival, revealed that approximately 97% of his business revenue relies on a cannabis cocktail line. The impending legislation has made him consider relocating his business to other states where THC products are permitted, as he has already explored new market opportunities elsewhere.
The push for the THC ban comes in the aftermath of federal legalization of hemp through the 2018 farm bill, which was subsequently adopted in Texas when Governor Abbott signed a similar state law in 2019. This new direction from the state legislature has sparked frustration among business owners, who argue that the ban does not consider the opinions and economic contributions of many Texans involved in the cannabis industry. Currently, Texas boasts around 8,000 registered cannabis shops—twice as many as California—and the industry provides employment for over 60,000 individuals statewide.
Amid rising concerns about some cannabis shops selling potent products that may pose hazards, including minors accessing these items, the legislation has been branded a “major legislative initiative” by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. He has suggested that businesses might need to contemplate shutting down operations to evade potential legal repercussions associated with selling THC products should the ban take effect. Past incidents, such as the arrest of an individual for possessing a vape pen exceeding the legal THC limit, have highlighted these concerns.
While some stakeholders advocate for stricter regulations within the cannabis industry, many business owners prefer a reformative approach rather than an outright ban. As the legislation progresses, advocates like Meek aim to continue supporting the Denton community through their businesses unless forced to close or shift to an alternate industry due to the new laws. With more than a quarter of a billion dollars generated annually in state tax revenue from the cannabis sector, the implications of the ban extend beyond individual businesses to the state’s economy as a whole.
In light of this situation, both Meek and Williams have encouraged Texans to engage with their local representatives to express concerns over the legislation and to advocate for support of local THC distributors. Community members and elected officials are being urged to recognize the potential consequences of the ban and to take action in support of affected businesses.
As the state grapples with the complexities surrounding the cannabis industry, the decisions made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of hemp-based products in Texas, affecting a significant number of business owners and their employees.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Denton Record-Chronicle
- Dallas Observer
- My Texas Daily
- Lone Star Live
- Brenham Banner
- Wikipedia: Tetrahydrocannabinol
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