How do we as a state intend to move towards the legalization of cannabis in all forms when smokeable hemp is about to be banned?
Why am I speaking about the legalization of cannabis when violence is currently ripping our country apart?
Did you know according to a recent study conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union, Texas has one of the highest arrest rates for marijuana possession in the country? In addition to the high arrest rate across Texas, the study also revealed a racial disparity among those who were charged with possession. In Texas, the study found that blacks were arrested twice as frequently as whites for marijuana possession.
Does it make more sense now? Why the legislation of hemp in Texas is important? Why we have to use our voice? Why we have to educate ourselves, our family, everyone we know?
In late 2019, the Texas Department of State Health Services proposed strict regulations for consumable hemp specifying that smokable hemp retail will be prohibited in the state of Texas. This comes mere months after Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law, to allow for the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas.
If the Texas Department of State Health Services bill passes, we will no longer be able to smoke CBD flower or use vaping as a means to ingest CBD.
Smokable hemp flower is one of the most in-demand hemp products in the industry, however, law enforcement officials in several states (Texas very much included) are unable to easily distinguish smokable, legal hemp from marijuana. Instead of adjusting their tactics and training to the 2020 hemp landscape, here we are, battling for liberties.
Texas’ Department of State Health Services is open for public comments on this matter until Monday, June 8th. Email them now, please. We cannot continue to move backward.
DSHSHempProgram@dshs.texas.gov
