1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to oppose Texas Senate Bill 5 (SB5) and any similar legislation that seeks to restrict or ban the sale of hemp-derived products in our state. While I understand the importance of regulating substances for public safety, SB5 would do far more harm than good — both economically and socially — by targeting legal, widely-used hemp products that are already regulated under federal and state law. SB5 threatens to shutter hundreds of small, locally owned hemp and CBD businesses across Texas that operate legally under the 2018 Federal Farm Bill and Texas HB 1325. Many of these are mom-and-pop stores, veterans- or minority-owned businesses, and Texas entrepreneurs who followed state guidance in good faith to launch legal enterprises. If SB5 passes: • Thousands of jobs could be lost, particularly in rural and economically challenged communities where these businesses often provide steady employment. • Tax revenue will decline, affecting local and state budgets. • A thriving industry that contributes millions to the Texas economy will be dismantled virtually overnight. • Many consumers will turn to unregulated, illicit markets to obtain these products, which only worsens public safety risks rather than mitigates them. Equally troubling is the devastating impact this bill would have on the people who rely on these products to manage chronic conditions. Hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD and low-dose THC are essential wellness tools for many Texans, including: • Disabled veterans managing PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury symptoms in a safe, non-addictive way. • Patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and anxiety, who often find hemp-derived products more tolerable and effective than pharmaceutical alternatives. • Seniors and rural residents who lack access to traditional or expensive medical treatments and depend on over-the-counter hemp wellness products. For many of these people, banning or severely limiting access to these products is not just inconvenient — it is cruel and harmful. Hemp-derived cannabinoids offer a safer, more natural alternative to opioids, alcohol, and other substances, helping countless Texans lead more functional, fulfilling lives. Instead of banning these products outright, Texas should pursue strong, smart regulation — ensuring safety, quality control, and proper labeling while allowing responsible adults access to products that improve their quality of life. Prohibition has never worked as a sustainable policy. It only drives demand underground, creates unregulated black markets, and punishes law-abiding citizens and businesses who are simply trying to heal, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Please stand with Texas veterans, small businesses, patients, and families by opposing SB5. I urge you to seek more balanced, science-based, and economically sound policies regarding hemp in our state.