HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK), Dec. 6, 2024 – Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s proposal to ban all forms of THC in Texas has ignited fierce public debate and widespread criticism. The announcement, made Wednesday, has drawn thousands of comments on social media, with a significant majority opposing the initiative.
Dispensaries in the Crosshairs
At the heart of the controversy are businesses like the THC Club, a chain of dispensaries with more than a dozen locations in Houston. Recently, these stores were raided by law enforcement for allegedly selling products exceeding the state’s legal THC limit.
Under current Texas law, cannabis products can only be sold legally if they contain 0.3% or less THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana.
Patrick’s proposed ban, set for discussion in the next legislative session, would outlaw all forms of THC, including those currently legal under the state’s hemp program.
Social Media Uproar
ABC13’s Instagram post covering the story has garnered over 1,000 comments, most of them criticizing the proposed ban. Many Texans see it as a step backward in the nationwide trend toward cannabis decriminalization and legalization.
Social media users expressed concerns about:
- Impact on businesses: Critics argue that banning THC would devastate local dispensaries and associated industries.
- Medical marijuana patients: Patients who rely on low-THC products for pain management, epilepsy, and other conditions fear losing access to their treatments.
- Criminal justice reform: Some believe the move contradicts broader efforts to reduce penalties for cannabis-related offenses.
Broader Legislative Context
Patrick’s stance aligns with Texas’ historically conservative approach to cannabis regulation. However, his proposal comes at a time when many states are moving in the opposite direction, legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana.
Earlier this year, Texas lawmakers debated several cannabis-related bills, including measures to expand the state’s medical marijuana program and reduce criminal penalties for possession. None of those bills advanced significantly.
Industry and Public Reactions
The Texas cannabis industry has expressed concerns about the economic fallout of a full THC ban. Dispensaries and hemp retailers, which rely on products containing legal levels of THC, could face closures if the proposal becomes law.
Medical marijuana advocates warn that patients will lose access to vital treatments if the state bans all forms of THC, including those currently allowed under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
Some legal experts also questioned the feasibility of enforcing such a broad ban, especially as federal guidelines on hemp-derived THC remain unchanged.
What’s Next?
The proposal will likely be a central issue in Texas’ 2025 legislative session. With public opinion increasingly supportive of cannabis reform nationwide, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will balance political priorities with economic, medical, and public sentiment considerations.
