Overview
- The Texas House State Affairs Committee unanimously advanced a substitute version of Senate Bill 3, opting for regulation of consumable hemp products instead of an outright ban.
- The substitute bill permits edibles, beverages, and low-dose smokable hemp flowers but bans vapes, synthetic cannabis, and sales in certain locations such as gas stations.
- The legislation introduces child-resistant packaging, a minimum purchase age of 21, and location restrictions, while allowing counties to vote on banning hemp sales entirely.
- Industry fees and taxes are allocated to fund regulation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, crime labs, and opioid/narcotics response services.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch advocate for a full THC ban, has threatened to call a special session if the final legislation does not meet his expectations.