Texas Hemp Industry Calls for Practical Reforms

*AUSTIN, Texas —* The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) issued the
following statement after the second special session of the 89th Texas
Legislature adjourned sine die without passing a total ban on intoxicating
hemp products.

“We want to thank Governor Greg Abbott, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and members
of the Texas House for standing with Texans and rejecting the misguided and
disingenuous efforts to ban hemp, protecting an important Texas industry
that supports 53,000 jobs and generates $10 billion in annual economic
activity.

“Texas already has strong hemp regulations under HB 1325, including strict
THC limits, full-panel testing, licensing, labeling and accessible
certificates of analysis. Despite this solid foundation, we are
disappointed that HB 36, sponsored by Representative Charlie Geren, failed
to pass, leaving unaddressed reforms that would have strengthened consumer
safety and provided clarity for the industry.

“We continue to advocate for sensible additions, such as those contained
within HB 36: limiting sales to those 21 and older, child-resistant
packaging and establishing setbacks from schools. Unfortunately, opponents
in the Senate leadership rejected these measures during both the 88th and
89th legislative sessions while pushing for outright bans, contrary to
public opinion and common sense, creating a manufactured crisis driven by
special interests, not Texans.

“Governor Abbott has been clear that federally legal hemp-derived products
should be regulated responsibly. Failing to strengthen regulations
jeopardizes both public safety and the livelihoods of thousands, including
farmers, small business owners and veterans. THBC remains committed to
working with policymakers to protect consumers, preserve economic
opportunity and ensure Texas remains a national leader in hemp.”