1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The proposed ban on THC products in Texas would have severe economic consequences, harming local businesses and eliminating thousands of jobs in the state's hemp industry. This multi-billion dollar industry currently provides employment for an estimated 50,000 Texans and generates significant tax revenue. Shuttering this emerging market would deprive the state's economy of a valuable source of growth and development. Furthermore, farmers have indicated that producing hemp entirely free of THC is virtually impossible, meaning the ban could cripple the industry's ability to manufacture hemp products for non-consumable uses like textiles and paper as well. Rather than an outright prohibition, a more reasonable approach would be to implement regulations ensuring safe access to consumable hemp products containing THC while allowing the legitimate hemp industry to continue operating and contributing to economic prosperity. I urge you to consider the significant economic repercussions and vote against this misguided proposal that jeopardizes businesses and jobs across our state.