“It’s the kind of thing that we're looking into,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a press conference in Austin.
Gov. Greg Abbott declined to endorse Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ’s THC ban on Thursday, saying he needs more information about how lawmakers propose a prohibition that would criminalize a fast-growing cannabis market in Texas .
Asked whether he had concerns about how the ban on intoxicating hemp products would impact thousands of licensed retailers and hundreds of growers and manufacturers across the state, the Texas Republican said lawmakers are wrestling with the “pros and cons” of a prohibition. “It’s the kind of thing that we're looking into,” Abbott said at a press conference in Austin. “We need to see more information about what the legislators agree is the correct pathway forward.” READ MORE: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick vows to ban THC products, threatening dispensaries The ban is among Patrick’s top priorities this session. Abbott’s comments came after dozens of THC consumers and business owners pleaded with senators to abandon the plan during a hearing on the proposal earlier this week. The bill, SB 3, would ban unregulated products like gummies, candies and drinks with high levels of THC. The bill’s author, state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, has blamed retailers for taking advantage of a loophole in a 2019 farm bill by selling intoxicating products under a statute that was meant to allow for hemp textile production. Senators are also considering a companion bill that would expand Texas’ compassionate use program, allowing more licenses to sell medicinal THC products and new satellite locations that could serve populations outside of major metro areas. Abbott in the past has supported some marijuana decriminalization efforts, saying 'small possession of marijuana is not the type of violation that we want to stockpile jails with.' Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued cities that opted to decriminalize the drug. Abbott on Thursday held a press conference to celebrate Texas winning the Governor’s Cup, an award recognizing economic development given by Site Selection magazine, for the 13th year in a row. He was also asked whether President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which the president paused Thursday, would affect the state’s economy. “We've seen no effect yet, and don't anticipate any,” Abbott said. “What we're dealing with actually is uncertainty about it. But listen, Texas has a very robust economy that continues to grow and we're not seeing any harm to our economy, because of all the discussions about tariffs yet.” Isaac Yu contributed to this report.
Dan Patrick Greg Abbott Republican Charles Perry Donald Trump Ken Paxton SB 3 R Isaac Yu Texas Austin Lubbock Mexico Canada THC Governor's Cup
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