Delta-8 in Texas Explained
May 23, 2021Call to Action: Help Texas Patients
May 24, 2021This week is the final gauntlet of the regular session! Multiple bills are in play and here is how you can have an impact:
Medical Cannabis (HB 1535)
HB 1535, authored by Rep. Stephanie Klick, would expand the Texas Compassionate Use Program and qualify more patients for medical cannabis. This bill passed out of the House with strong support (134-12), has bi-partisan sponsorship in the Senate, and has been referred to the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs after our previous phone call campaign. It must have a hearing immediately in order to make it to the Governor’s desk.
The bill was referred to committee, why hasn’t it been heard?
To hold a hearing and vote on HB 1535 at this time will require a suspension of the Senate business rules (a normal occurrence) which requires approval by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Only he can allow the committee to take the time to hear and vote on this bill.
Join us for a Medical Cannabis Call Campaign on Monday the 24th starting at 8am! Time is short and Texas patients need this important legislation. Starting at 8am, call the Lt. Gov. and YOUR Senator.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: 512-463-0001
Please CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR! Identify your Texas State Senator and their Capitol office phone number here.
What to say: “I am (name) calling about HB 1535. Please ensure that this legislation has a hearing and is voted on quickly. We cannot leave Texas patients behind this session.”
Concentrates Penalty Reduction (HB 2593)
HB 2593 has passed both the House (108-33) and Senate (24-7). This legislation reduces the penalty for 2 ounces of THC concentrates from a felony to a Class B misdemeanor. An amendment was added in the Senate which requires the legislation to be reconciled with the House before heading to the governor’s desk.
The amendment further clarifies that hemp is not included in the controlled substance list while also setting the total THC for hemp and its products at 0.3 percent. This may affect the Delta-8 market. Learn more about Delta-8, the amendment, and what comes next.
This change in the law could affect hundreds (if not thousands) of businesses and their customers. If Delta-8 products are important to your business or they have helped you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to your Texas Senator. Identify your Texas State Senator and their Capitol contact here.
Hemp (HB 3948)
HB 3948 passed out of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs with a vote of 8-0. This bill establishes a hemp research program and cleans up some language in the statute. This bill contains the same amendment which was added to HB 2593 regarding Delta-8. The bill is scheduled for Monday, May 23rd’s Intent Calendar. (You will be able to watch the livestream here.) If there is any discrepancy between the House and Senate versions, it will go to a conference committee for negotiation on the final draft before arriving on the governor’s desk.
Sine Die Party (5/31/2021)
Save the Date: Join us Monday, May 31st at 4:20pm to celebrate a historic session! In spite of a very challenging legislative session, the marijuana reform movement worked extremely hard and achieved great strides. Join us at The Belmont for a party to celebrate our milestones and join the movement! Details
87th Legislative Wrap-Up
Reminder: Tune in to our 87th Legislative Wrap-Up on June 2nd at 8pm. Details. We will cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 87th Texas Legislature. We will be joined by:
- Jax Finkel, Texas NORML
- Heather Fazio, Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy
- John Baucum, Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition
- Jason Vaughn, Texas Young Republicans
- Jesse Williams, Texas Cannabis Collective
- more to be announced.
Please click here to join the webinar.
Passcode: 774963
Learn how to become a member of our organization. Make a donation towards our important work during the 2021 Legislative Session. Shop at the Texas NORML store.