Texas votes to outlaw most hemp products, potentially crippling market

[SARose]

By MONA ZHANG
05/22/2025 06:32 PM EDT

Texas is poised to decimate the state’s booming multibillion-dollar hemp industry.

The state House voted to ban almost all hemp products Wednesday, which would deal a crippling blow to an industry that’s spawned more than 8,000 licensed shops and employs tens of thousands of workers. Emphasis mine.

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The vote was a stunning reversal for the House after it advanced legislation that sought to regulate — rather than ban — intoxicating hemp products. The state’s hemp industry had looked to the chamber as an ally after Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made it one of his top legislative priorities to crack down on the burgeoning, loosely regulated market for intoxicating products, arguing that it presents a major public health threat.

Patrick vowed that he would not compromise on anything besides an outright ban on THC and other intoxicating compounds, threatening to hold up other legislation from the House.

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I use a CBD lotion on my arthritic hands because I cannot take NSAIDS due to another condition.

This lotion allows me to go about my day with reduced pain. I also use it on my poor ole knees.

How is this not a good thing?

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Run to the store, this very morning. Stock up.

[SARose]

3. Hubs on his way!

👍

[mwmisses4289]

2. Stupid Ole Danny boy.

How much revenue did he just cost the state with his damn nonsense?

[SARose]

4. $8 billion in 2023

'Devastating': Local business owners react to Texas House passing statewide THC Ban

"This would absolutely tank our industry right now," said Jake Garry, CEO of Fresh Grown Texas and Texas Hemp Coalition board member. "It would take away 50,000 jobs, $280 million in annual revenue from taxes, and also the stability of the framework for the impact on no longer being able to grow hemp."

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Garry, who helped draft compromise amendments that were ultimately rejected, warned of unintended consequences. "Bans don't work because the demand never stops," he said. "The consumer has two options - they turn to a more unreliable out-of-state source or the black market that's completely unregulated."

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In the San Antonio area, a lot these small businesses are owned by vets and cater to them. Where I shop it is typically senior citizens in there. Lots with Vietnam Vet hats and, yes, red MAGA hats, too.😂

Chronic pain doesn’t care about party affiliation.

[Javaman]

5. I'm wondering what his connection is to the

Privatized prison system is?

If there is anything about Patrick that we do know, it’s that he’s just as corrupt as Paxton and Abbott, but he loves to hide behind is religious self righteousness