1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned citizen and voter in your district to urge you to oppose the proposed legislation aimed at further restricting or banning THC products in Texas. THC, in both medical cannabis and hemp-derived forms, has proven therapeutic value for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and more. According to a 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for treating chronic pain in adults and reducing symptoms in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Denying Texans access to this relief is not only inhumane but also counter to growing scientific consensus. What’s more troubling is the hypocrisy in targeting THC while alcohol remains legal and widely accepted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that alcohol contributes to over 140,000 deaths each year in the U.S., including from liver disease, impaired driving, and violence. In contrast, cannabis has never been the direct cause of a fatal overdose. Additionally, studies show that states with legal cannabis access see reductions in opioid prescriptions and opioid-related deaths. This legislation also threatens a growing sector of small businesses across Texas, particularly in rural areas where hemp-derived products have created jobs and generated much-needed tax revenue. Rather than shutting down these opportunities, the state should be working to regulate the industry responsibly and ensure safe access for consumers. Texas should be focused on data-driven policies that prioritize public health, personal freedom, and economic growth—not fear-based bans that push people toward more dangerous substances or force them to seek relief illegally. I respectfully urge you to vote against this harmful bill and stand with the Texans who value science, compassion, and individual rights.