In a recent opinion research poll, surveyors found that a majority of Republican primary voters support a total ban on consumable THC products.
When asked by pollsters from Baselice & Associates if they would support legislation that would fully ban THC consumables, 62 percent of respondents said that they would.
Texas lawmakers are currently considering two different measures that would bar the use of THC in consumable products.
Senate Bill 5, authored by State Sen. Charles Perry (R–Lubbock), was passed by the Senate and has been sent to the House for consideration.
State Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R–New Boston) filed an identical companion bill to SB 5 in the House, which was brought before the Public Health Committee on Wednesday.
“Validated research continues to be published, verifying the fact that these THC consumables are extremely harmful, particular to our younger populations,” explained Allen Police Chief Steve Dye, representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association, while testifying before the committee.
Our local engagement with our communities continues to find significant concerns about the proliferation of these businesses and accessibility of these products in all of our communities throughout the state. Some citizens remain uneducated, still thinking that these THC consumables are the marijuana of the 70s with a THC concentration of less than 5 percent—nothing could be further from the truth.
Products tested by the TPCA have been found to contain over 80 percent THC concentration, as well as dangerous chemicals and metals.
Sixty-three percent of respondents to the poll also indicated opposition to Gov. Greg Abbott’s prior proposal to regulate THC products, rather than ban them. According to state law enforcement agencies, this would essentially legalize the use of marijuana in Texas.
Chief Dye told the committee that TPCA conducted research that has found that there is no attainable way to successfully regulate THC.
“Very few people are purchasing THC products under .3 percent, that’s why the wholesalers and the retailers are profiting based on only selling intoxicating hemp for the most part,” Dye added. “Under regulation, these businesses would continue to thrive, and it would create the largest THC recreational market in Texas that would exist in the United States.”
Although the Senate has passed SB 5, the legislation will die in the House if Democrat lawmakers do not return to Austin by Friday.
House Democrats fled the state in opposition to congressional redistricting that favors Republicans, and the House currently lacks the 100-member quorum required to conduct business.
