Crowds Flock to Austin as Proposed THC Ban Sparks Debate Over Texas’ Booming Cannabis Industry
A packed committee meeting in the Texas Senate chamber was forced to relocate to accommodate hundreds of attendees who gathered to weigh in on a proposed ban on THC, a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The bill, authored by Senator Charles Perry, aims to eradicate a loophole that has allowed thousands of CBD shops to sell products containing delta-8 and delta-10 THC, which are not naturally found in large quantities.
The proposed ban has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it will force many shops to close and others claiming that it is necessary to prevent the sale of illegal products. Senator Perry acknowledged that the ban could have a significant impact on the industry, stating, “If they’re really honest, they’ll tell you without the THC in the product, they can’t be profitable.”
Allen Police Chief Steve Dye expressed concerns about the strength and addictiveness of marijuana products on the market, citing a recent undercover investigation that found products with THC levels as high as 78%. He believes that the ban is necessary to eliminate the sale of illegal products.
However, John Burk, the owner of Shell Shock CBD in Richardson, argued that the ban is a step backwards and that Texans do not want it. He claimed that veterans like himself use THC as a safer alternative to opioids and that it has not caused any deaths.
Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua also spoke out against the bill, calling it a step backwards and stating that it will only exacerbate the black market. He believes that a ban will not be effective in reducing drug use and that it will instead lead to more problems.
The committee will meet again to vote on the bill, which is expected to pass the full Senate. However, its success in the House is less certain.
