News Summary
The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) is voicing concerns over Senate Bill 5, which proposes banning consumable hemp products with even trace amounts of THC. This legislation threatens a flourishing industry valued at $10 billion and the livelihoods of over 53,000 Texans employed within it. Critics accuse lawmakers of potentially creating a monopoly favoring select medical marijuana companies, raising questions about the bill’s true intentions. As debates heat up, calls for sensible regulations rather than outright bans are growing louder among industry stakeholders.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) has publicly denounced Senate Bill 5 (S.B. 5), a piece of legislation poised to ban consumable hemp products containing detectable levels of THC, which could have dire consequences for the state’s burgeoning hemp industry. THBC representatives voiced their concerns on July 28, 2025, as the bill is set to be debated in the Texas Senate during the special session of the 89th Texas Legislature.
The THBC estimates that S.B. 5 could potentially destroy a $10 billion industry and eliminate over 53,000 jobs statewide. Advocates for the legislation, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senators Charles Perry and Roland Gutierrez, have been accused of trying to create a consolidated cannabis market that favors select state-licensed medical marijuana companies, one of which reportedly controls more than 75% of the medical marijuana market in Texas.
Concerns surrounding the legislation primarily stem from claims that the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) can adequately replace hemp-derived cannabinoids. The THBC argues that such assertions are misleading and pose risks to consumers. Currently, the TCUP serves just over 100,000 patients, requiring registration, physician prescriptions, higher prices, and providing limited choices. Attempts to improve this program through House Bill 46 (H.B. 46) have been deemed insufficient by the council.
The backdrop to this legislative push is a landscape where both federal and state laws have legalized and regulated hemp, offering millions of consumers—including veterans—affordable wellness options. The potential enactment of S.B. 5 is perceived by the THBC as a move that prioritizes monopolistic interests over public health and consumer choices. The council argues that while the legislation is allegedly being enacted under the pretense of public safety, it primarily aims to protect market dominance.
The ramifications of such a ban raise significant concerns, particularly among smoke shop owners and small business operators who fear losing their livelihoods. They are advocating for a meaningful compromise that balances safety and economic viability. During previous discussions, some lawmakers have minimized concerns regarding adverse effects on hemp farmers, claiming the legislation focuses on public health rather than economic fallout.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has maintained his position supporting the ban, citing the safety concerns voiced by law enforcement and parents regarding products that contain THC. However, the THBC counters that Texans should expect a diverse range of choices rather than being subjected to restrictive measures that mirror prohibition.
Public opinion, coupled with economic data, shows a clear preference against the justification for S.B. 5, which many claim is driven more by special interests than by consumer demand. The THBC insists that the Texas Legislature has more pressing issues to tackle, such as enhancing flood warning systems, conducting redistricting, and providing property tax relief, rather than focusing its efforts on a hemp ban.
In light of these developments, the THBC is advocating for practical alternatives to hemp regulation, which could include implementing age limits, ensuring child-resistant packaging, and establishing restrictions on hemp product sales near schools. This proposal aims to address public safety concerns while still allowing the industry to thrive.
The debate over S.B. 5 has been postponed until Wednesday at 11 a.m. following the adjournment of the Texas Senate. As stakeholders from various sectors prepare for the discussion, the implications of this legislation remain a significant point of contention within Texas’s cannabis market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
