A Texas lawmaker is making waves with a two-pronged approach to cannabis policy—proposing to expand the state’s highly restrictive medical marijuana program while simultaneously seeking to shut down its booming hemp-derived THC market. If successful, the move could reshape access to cannabis products in a state where regulations have long lagged behind public demand.
A Push for Higher THC Limits in Medical Marijuana
State Sen. Charles Perry, a Republican, introduced Senate Bill 1505, which would significantly loosen Texas’ medical marijuana restrictions. Under the current Compassionate Use Program, only “low-THC” products with no more than 0.5% THC by weight are permitted. Critics argue that Texas patients are left with little more than a glorified CBD program, especially compared to medical cannabis programs in other states.
Perry’s bill seeks to change that by:
- Raising the THC dosage cap to 5 milligrams per serving.
- Allowing medical marijuana products to contain up to 300 milligrams of THC per package.
- Legalizing vaporized (pulmonary) inhalation, a method currently prohibited.
- Doubling the number of dispensaries in Texas, increasing from three to six statewide.
However, the proposal would still keep smokable marijuana flower illegal, a restriction that has frustrated both patients and cannabis advocates.
The Effort to Shut Down Texas’ $3 Billion Hemp THC Market
While one bill expands access to THC for medical use, another bill aims to eliminate a thriving hemp-derived THC industry that has flourished under a legal loophole. Senate Bill 3, also introduced by Perry and backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, seeks to ban hemp-derived THC products that have taken off under the 2018 federal Farm Bill.
Texas has become a national leader in hemp-derived THC sales, with an estimated $3 billion market for products such as Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. These products are widely available in gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers, providing Texans with an alternative to the state’s ultra-restrictive medical marijuana program.
If SB 3 passes, Texas would join a growing list of states cracking down on hemp-derived cannabinoids, arguing that they exist in a legal gray area. Opponents of the bill say banning these products could push consumers toward unregulated, illicit markets, while supporters argue it closes a loophole that effectively legalizes recreational THC use in Texas.
Where Do Things Stand Now?
Both bills—SB 1505 (medical marijuana expansion) and SB 3 (hemp THC ban)—were heard in a committee on Monday. As of Thursday, neither had advanced beyond that stage.
The battle over cannabis policy in Texas reflects the broader national debate on marijuana regulation. While medical cannabis expansion may be welcomed by patients, the potential ban on hemp-derived THC products could face resistance from businesses and consumers who have relied on them as a legal alternative.
For now, the future of cannabis in Texas remains uncertain, with the fate of these bills still hanging in the balance.