Texas Ag. Commissioner Says Hemp Farmers Won’t Be Affected by THC Ban

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is trying to reassure Texas hemp
farmers that their livelihoods are not at risk after state lawmakers last
week approved an outright ban on THC products, even those containing
cannabinoids from federally legal hemp plants.

“Texas farmers are worried about the effects of Senate Bill 3 on the hemp
industry,” Miller said in a statement released on Friday.

“This legislation does not ban growing hemp or planting hemp for biomass.
It’s a targeted effort to crack down on abuse of THC in the retail sector,
not a ban on legitimate hemp farming. We have maintained constant
communication with the Legislature to ensure the voices of our growers are
heard and that essential protection for Texas producers stays in place.” –
Miller, in a statement.

The proposal to ban THC statewide in Texas — a policy that was championed
by Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick (R) — attracted hundreds of activists to the
state Capitol this month in protest of the policy. If signed into law by
the governor, the policy would prohibit the sale of any products containing
delta-8 or delta-9 THC, or any other cannabinoids except CBD or CBG.

“We have maintained constant communication with the Legislature to ensure
the voices of our growers are heard and that essential protection for Texas
producers stays in place,” Miller wrote.

“I’ve been in contact with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and I am committed to
ensuring our farmers can continue to grow hemp without unnecessary
interference.”