AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas hemp industry is on edge as Senate Bill 3, which would ban all products containing THC, sits on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk awaiting his signature. The bill’s passage could potentially cripple nearly 8,000 shops and impact around 60,000 jobs across the state.
Todd Harris, co-owner and vice president of Happy Cactus, an Austin shop that would be affected by the ban, expressed his shock at the bill’s passage.
“We were definitely in shock that both chambers did pass the ban,” said Harris. “It’s a pretty wild and far-reaching bill.”
Harris explained that if the bill is signed, his employees would face difficult choices as he and his brother contemplate moving out of state to continue their business.
“All of our employees would have to go on, either try to find other jobs on Sept. 1 or before, depending on how it works out, or go into unemployment,” he said.
Cynthia Cabrera, CFO of Hometown Hero and founder of the Texas Hemp Business Council, criticized the legislative decision.
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“I think everybody should leave. If their legislature betrays them like this. I think they should all leave the state,” said Cabrera.
She argued that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick chose to “destroy lives rather than enrich them” and noted that there were alternative solutions to address underage access to THC products.
Harris says he’s in favor of more regulations and admits the ones they currently have, “aren’t as intense as they should be or as strong.” He says they’ve poured their life savings into their business and don’t want to pick it up and move elsewhere, but they will if they have to.
Patrick defended the bill during a session recap, emphasizing the need to protect children from harmful products.
“This is why we passed Senate Bill 3 – this is why the house passed Senate Bill 3 – to ban these products,” said Patrick, citing instances of such products being sold in shops.
As the industry awaits Governor Abbott’s decision, local dispensaries have until September to determine their next steps.
The Texas hemp industry is on edge as Senate Bill 3, which would ban all products containing THC, sits on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk awaiting his signature. Th Read More
