Texas Tries to Ban THC While Pretending It’s About Safety

As Texas grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest natural disasters in its history, lawmakers have instead turned their attention to cannabis policy in the opening days of the special legislative session. Rather than prioritizing flood recovery in Central Texas, the Senate held its first major hearing on a bill that would criminalize most THC products, including popular strains like Delta-8.

“We want to make sure adults still have the liberty to be able to have access to non-intoxicating hemp-based products,” Abbott said, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Senate Bill 5, introduced by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), aims to ban intoxicating hemp-derived products while still allowing non-psychoactive items like CBD and hemp oils. Despite Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a more measured approach that protects both public health and the hemp industry, the Senate State Affairs Committee advanced the bill unanimously. 

Governor Abbott has expressed concern that the current framework fails to strike the balance he sought, ensuring children can’t access high-potency products while preserving adult access to non-intoxicating options. He emphasized the need for stronger regulation, not a sweeping ban, warning that without oversight, unlicensed dispensaries will continue to sell unchecked products.

The proposed ban also raises questions about consistency in state drug policy. While Texas expands access to medical marijuana, it now risks criminalizing hemp retailers offering low-THC alternatives. Advocates for the ban argue that regulation would be too burdensome, yet Perry’s bill outlines licensing, testing, and child-resistant packaging, measures that could form the basis of a smarter regulatory system.