HOUSTON – Texas lawmakers are preparing for a special session with a number of issues on the agenda, including flood management, redistricting, and the future of THC in the state.
One issue set for discussion is the regulation on the sale of THC products.
Senate Bill 3, which would have completely banned the sale of consumable products containing THC in Texas, passed the Texas House and Senate this legislative session. But Gov. Greg Abbott recently vetoed the bill and urged lawmakers to consider a more regulated approach, similar to how alcohol is handled in the state.
In the Heights neighborhood of Houston, Danny Cassidy, owner of CBD American Shaman, is paying close attention to what happens next.
“Oh, we were scared. We were nervous,” said Cassidy, when asked what went through his mind during the legislative session. “We’ve been open for, you know, almost six years now.”
Cassidy’s boutique-style shop offers everything from dog treats and drinks to topical creams. He said a full ban on THC products would have devastating consequences for his business.
“We would have to close because we can’t sell anything. All of our products would be illegal,” Cassidy said.
Though Senate Bill 3 passed both the Texas House and Senate, it faced pushback from small business owners like Cassidy and from veterans who rely on THC products to treat PTSD.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a strong proponent of the bill, argued that Texas lacks the resources to properly regulate the 8,000+ THC stores in the state and raised concerns about youth access to these products.
“Texas must strongly regulate hemp and do so immediately,” Patrick said. “The best way to protect the adults and the children is to ban the product.”
But Cassidy disagrees, advocating instead for smart regulation over prohibition.
“Keep it away from them. Keep it from them with THC—you know, 21 and up. You know, ID. You know, force,” Cassidy said.
That’s a position echoed by Gov. Abbott, who said he supports restrictions like age verification, product labeling, and zoning over an outright ban, regulations that will be discussed during the special session.
Cassidy said he supports regulation and hopes more people know about the potential benefits of these types of products.
“Some use it for stress, anxiety, pain, sleep aid, inflammation,” he said. “Most people that come to us, it’s like their last resort. They’re like, ‘Oh, you know, what do you have? I’m hurting or I need some sleep,’ and if it works, they get what they’re looking for out of it.”
With the special session beginning Monday, small business owners like Cassidy hope lawmakers will consider a path that allows them to stay open while keeping Texans safe.
