Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Advocates for Ban on All Consumable Hemp Products, Citing Misuse of 2019 Law
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is urging Texas lawmakers to take decisive action by banning all forms of consumable hemp products, citing alleged misuse of the 2019 hemp legalization law. The legislation, originally intended to bolster Texas agriculture, has reportedly been exploited by retailers marketing products with unsafe levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Patrick claims that loopholes in the law have allowed the proliferation of unregulated products like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, substances that were not anticipated when the law was enacted. These products, often found in gummies and other edibles, have raised significant concerns among state officials.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed support for Patrick’s initiative, emphasizing the need to address what he views as unintended consequences of the law.
“Like the lieutenant governor, I am not for recreational marijuana, and that’s basically what we have unintentionally,” Miller stated. “We didn’t do it on purpose.”
Miller also pointed out that Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products were virtually unknown when the 2019 law was passed but have since become widespread. He highlighted troubling reports of these products making their way into the hands of children.
“So it’s been known fact that these gummies show up in the pockets of 2nd and 3rd graders,” Miller said. “That’s a problem. We’ve got to address it, you know, at a minimum, we’ve got to put some age restrictions on this.”
While advocating for stricter regulations on consumable hemp products, Miller reiterated his support for medical marijuana, urging lawmakers to ensure that patients relying on it for treatment retain their access.
The push to ban consumable hemp products adds to the ongoing debate over the future of cannabis regulation in Texas, with legislators facing pressure to balance public safety concerns with the potential benefits of hemp and medical marijuana.
Reference News :- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pushes ban on all forms of THC in Texas
