The Texas House just wrapped up its final vote on a ban on consumable hemp products containing THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The decision came after a lengthy debate that initially aimed to regulate these products instead of banning them altogether. State Rep. Ken King introduced a version of Senate Bill 3 that was meant to regulate and tax THC-containing products, but an unexpected amendment from Rep. Tom Oliverson reverted the bill back to a complete ban.
The amendment sparked a heated discussion among lawmakers, with some Democrats advocating for regulation rather than prohibition. State Rep. Rafael Anchía warned against the ineffectiveness of bans, drawing parallels to the failed Prohibition era. On the other hand, Rep. Terri Leo Wilson shared a personal story about her daughter’s struggle with THC addiction, emphasizing the dangers of these products. The debate also touched on the impact of the ban on veterans like Rep. Josey Garcia’s husband, who relies on THC products to manage his post-traumatic stress disorder.
In the end, the amendment proposed by Rep. Oliverson passed with a majority vote, leading to the final approval of the amended bill by a margin of 87-54. The bill will now go back to the Senate for final approval. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch advocate for the THC ban, expressed his gratitude to House members for their support in passing the bill. However, not all Republicans were in favor of the revised version, with Rep. Brian Harrison criticizing the broad approach of the bill and its potential unintended consequences.
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