News Summary
Governor Greg Abbott is set to decide on Senate Bill 3, which would impose a state-wide ban on THC products. Local business owners express concerns over significant sales losses, with predictions of reductions between 50% and 65%. A petition opposing the bill has collected over 140,000 signatures. Supporters emphasize safety concerns, particularly regarding minors, highlighting a growing divide on cannabis regulation in Texas that could reshape the industry and community jobs.
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott is facing a crucial decision regarding Texas Senate Bill 3, which seeks to implement a comprehensive ban on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in smoke shops and dispensaries statewide. The deadline for the governor’s decision is June 22, and if enacted, this legislation could lead to substantial financial losses for businesses and employees within the THC industry.
The bill’s widespread implications have raised concerns among local business owners. Zack Smith, who operates Happy Clouds in Austin, projects that the enactment of this bill could reduce his sales by approximately 50% to 65%. He has been vocal against Senate Bill 3, participating actively in legislative discussions and emphasizing the adverse effects it would have on his company and the community. Alongside his employees, Smith has also engaged customers by distributing pamphlets that urge them to reach out to their representatives about the bill’s potential consequences.
Moments before the vote on Senate Bill 3, legislators amended a proposal for partial restrictions on THC, reverting to an all-encompassing ban. As a result, some retailers like Billy Marsden, owner of The Glassmith, fear a decline of up to two-thirds in their sales, with the possibility of closing one location and downsizing another. Anxiety surrounding job security has escalated among employees at The Glassmith, reflecting the broader uncertainty faced by those invested in the industry.
The Texas Hemp Business Council has mobilized efforts to convince Governor Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3. Their campaign includes a petition that has garnered over 140,000 signatures in opposition to the bill, emphasizing its potential detrimental effects on small businesses and the legal hemp industry. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1 if it is not vetoed by the governor.
Proponents of Senate Bill 3 argue that safety concerns associated with unregulated THC products are paramount, with particular focus on their appeal to minors. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a supporter of the legislation, underscored the importance of addressing “bad actors” who exploit loopholes stemming from the 2019 Hemp Bill. Testimonies submitted during discussions have reportedly linked THC consumption to severe mental health issues, reinforcing the argument for stricter regulations.
Despite the safety arguments presented, the Texas Hemp Business Council has voiced strong criticism of Senate Bill 3, claiming that it threatens to dismantle the legal hemp industry rather than regulate it effectively. Advocates within the council stress the necessity for better supervision of THC products, proposing that appropriate regulations could enhance the industry while protecting jobs and consumers alike.
Moreover, another legislative measure, House Bill 46, is currently under consideration, which focuses on expanding the medical use of low-THC cannabis as part of the Texas Compassionate Use Program. The outcomes of both Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 46 remain uncertain, with potential significant impacts on the legality of THC products and the broader cannabis market in Texas.
As the clock ticks down to the governor’s decision, stakeholders in the THC industry and advocates for both sides of the argument await clarity on the future of cannabis regulation in Texas. With thousands of jobs at stake, the ramifications of the governor’s choice may be felt well beyond the immediate effects of these bills.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: Texas Senate Bill 3 & House Bill 46
- Wikipedia: THC
- Lubbock Online: Texas THC Ban
- Google Search: Texas THC Ban
- CBS News: Bill Bans THC Sales
- Google Scholar: Texas THC Ban
- KVUE: Greg Abbott & SB 3
- Encyclopedia Britannica: THC
- ABC13: Texas Senate Passes THC Ban
- Google News: Texas THC Ban
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
