Texas Legislature 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction on THC
As the Texas Legislature returns to Austin for a special session to address hemp-derived THC products, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been vocal about the dangers of the substance. However, experts say that while THC can be addictive and pose health risks, particularly for young people, Patrick’s claims are exaggerated.
Patrick has claimed that THC products are proliferating without safeguards, driving young people to suicide, creating lifelong addicts, and altering users’ brains completely. However, researchers say that while THC can be addictive, it doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
Dr. Deepak Cyril D’Souza, Director of Yale’s Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, notes that the risks of THC are increasing, but it’s not a black-and-white issue. “It’s many shades of gray, right? But the risks are increasing. That’s for sure,” he said.
Experts agree that teenagers are at a higher risk of adverse health effects due to their developing brains. However, Dr. Ziva Cooper, Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, emphasizes that there is compelling evidence that use in mid-adolescence is more dangerous than using as a young adult.
Regarding Patrick’s claim that no one knows what’s in consumable hemp products, experts say that while there may be some uncertainty around semi-synthetic compounds like delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC, the industry typically allows for some margin of error in labeling.
As for Patrick’s claim that THC products are addictive, experts agree that THC can be addictive, but the National Institute of Drug Abuse says that risk factors for cannabis use disorder are similar to those of other potentially addictive drugs.
Regarding Patrick’s claim that THC causes psychotic episodes, experts say that while THC can trigger psychotic episodes in a small percentage of users, the majority of people who use high-potency cannabis will not experience one.
Finally, regarding Patrick’s claim that THC causes long-term brain changes, experts say that the evidence is mixed, with some studies suggesting that extensive cannabinoid use impairs memory and attention, while others suggest otherwise.
In conclusion, while THC can pose health risks, particularly for young people, Patrick’s claims are exaggerated. Experts agree that the risks of THC are increasing, but it’s not a black-and-white issue. As the Texas Legislature addresses hemp-derived THC products, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction and consider the nuanced findings of researchers.
