AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), the leading industry organization dedicated to fostering a responsible and thriving hemp-based cannabinoid market in Texas, today released a definitive statement urging state lawmakers to reject Senate Bill 5 (SB 5). The Council asserts that this proposed legislation threatens to dismantle a burgeoning $10 billion industry, eliminate tens of thousands of jobs, and stifle economic opportunities for countless small businesses across the state, all while misleadingly purporting to enhance public safety.
The THBC emphasizes that SB 5 is not about genuine public health protection but rather a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate the entire cannabis market into the hands of a select few state-licensed marijuana companies. This move, the Council argues, would effectively grant a monopolistic advantage to entities, one of which already commands over 75% of the existing market share.
The statement issued by the THBC directly refutes claims that the restrictive Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) could adequately replace the accessibility and utility of hemp-derived cannabinoids. The Council highlights the inherent limitations of TCUP, which currently serves a mere 100,000-plus patients and is encumbered by stringent requirements such as mandatory registration, physician prescriptions, elevated prices, and a dearth of product options. While House Bill 46 represented an endeavor to refine the program, the THBC contends that it falls significantly short of expanding genuine access to a program designed for a fundamentally different purpose than the broader hemp market.
In stark contrast, the THBC points out that hemp is a federally and state-regulated commodity, serving millions of adult consumers and veterans who depend on its affordable and accessible alternatives for a wide range of wellness needs, pain relief, and other applications.
The Council unequivocally states, “SB 5 would destroy a $10 billion industry that supports over 53,000 jobs and eliminate economic opportunity for thousands of small business owners across the state. All being done under the false flag of ‘safety,’ while the real goal is market control by a politically connected few. This isn’t about protecting public health, it’s about protecting a monopoly.”
The THBC also underscored the clear directive from the state’s highest office: “Governor Abbott’s veto message was clear: regulate hemp responsibly, don’t ban it. Texans deserve choice, not coercion. SB 5 is prohibition disguised as policy and lawmakers should reject it. Public opinion, economic data and common sense all point in the same direction: this is a manufactured crisis driven by special interests, not public demand.”
Furthermore, the Council expressed concern over what it perceives as misplaced legislative priorities. “At a time when Texas faces real and pressing challenges like strengthening flood warning systems, redistricting and providing meaningful property tax relief, some Senate leaders are spending this special session pushing a hemp ban Texans clearly don’t want. It’s a clear example of misplaced priorities and misguided policies.”
In lieu of the prohibitive measures proposed by SB 5, the THBC advocates for a balanced and responsible regulatory framework. “That’s why THBC and the vast majority of Texans strongly support a common-sense alternative that includes 21+ age limits, child-resistant packaging and setbacks from schools. It’s the right path forward for public safety, economic freedom and the future of hemp in Texas.” This alternative approach, according to the THBC, would safeguard public health effectively while simultaneously preserving the vibrant economic ecosystem fostered by the Texas hemp industry.
The Growing Impact of the Hemp Industry
- The U.S. hemp industry has experienced explosive growth since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, creating new agricultural opportunities and consumer product markets.
- Hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD, are widely used for their wellness benefits, offering natural alternatives for a range of common ailments without the psychoactive effects of THC.
- The cultivation and processing of industrial hemp offer environmental benefits, including soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and reduced water usage compared to other crops.
- The industry fosters small business growth and innovation, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs in farming, processing, manufacturing, and retail, particularly in rural communities.
About the Texas Hemp Business Council
The Texas Hemp Business Council is an industry organization dedicated to promoting the hemp-based cannabinoid industry in Texas, while advocating for consumer safety, education and stakeholder engagement. More information is available at http://www.texashempbusinesscouncil.com.
Media Contacts:
Natalie Mu/George Medici
PondelWilkinson
310.279.5980
