Urgent Action Needed in Texas: Help Oppose Senate Bill 3!

Last night, the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs held a marathon hearing on Senate Bill 3, lasting more than 10 hours, with over 8 hours of testimony from 170 people, and the overwhelming majority of whom opposed the bill.
 
As we’ve previously reported, SB 3 would ban all cannabinoids except CBD and CBG, effectively eliminating 90-95% of the hemp product marketplace. While concerns about unregulated products and youth access were raised, banning these products outright is not the answer. Prohibition has never worked. It would wipe out an entire industry, eliminate jobs, and push consumers toward unregulated markets where there are no ID checks, no testing, and no oversight.
 
Notably, testimony from scientists and farmers highlighted that the THC limits proposed in SB 3 are impossible to meet, further proving that this bill is unworkable. At the end of the hearing, SB 3 was left pending in committee, and so there is still time to act.
 
We fully support stronger regulations on hemp-derived products, including strict age limits to keep intoxicating products away from minors, but an outright ban is the wrong approach. Instead, Texas should follow the lead of other states that have successfully implemented common-sense regulations that protect consumers and hold businesses accountable.
 
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable urges lawmakers to adopt a responsible regulatory framework that includes:

1. Stronger enforcement against bad actors
2. Licensing for manufacturers and sellers to ensure compliance
3. Independent product testing to guarantee safety and transparency
4. Clear labeling requirements that ban child-enticing images
5. Strict age restrictions to prohibit sales to minors

We strongly oppose intoxicating hemp products being sold to minors and support strict penalties for violators, but eliminating all hemp products beyond CBD and CBG is not the solution.

This means there is still time to make our voices heard.

Here’s how you can help:1. Participate in our email campaign: Use our State Action Center to quickly contact Texas legislators in opposition of SB3. Just enter your zip code, and we’ll generate a message to your representatives. Personalized messages have an even bigger impact!

2. Spread the Word: Share this urgent alert with your friends, family, and fellow hemp supporters. Encourage them to join the fight to protect the Texas hemp industry.

3. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest developments regarding SB3 and other legislative actions affecting hemp in Texas. Sign up for our newsletter to receive timely updates and action alerts. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the Texas hemp industry continues to thrive. Let’s stand united in defense of the future of hemp!