Beginning on Monday, THC vape sales will be prohibited in Texas

In a move that has sparked debate and concern, the Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 6, a measure that aims to ban nearly all THC products in the state. The bill, authored by State Sen. Charles Perry, along with Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, and others, seeks to restrict the use of mind-altering cannabinoids.

The proposed law comes amidst growing concerns over the health implications of THC products, particularly vapes. Iishaan Inabathini, a high school senior with Texans for Safe and Drug Free Youth, testified about students using THC vapes in school, highlighting the need for stricter regulations. However, Christine Scruggs, a Pearland resident, shared her concerns about the potential harm these products can cause, as her son was diagnosed with cannabis-induced psychotic disorder.

João Mitchell, the general manager of ATX Organics, a cannabis shop, expressed concerns about the bill's impact on businesses. He stated that vapes offer a convenient and healthier way to inhale cannabinoids, and the ban could lead to a loss of control over ingredients and hardware, potentially increasing the risk of harmful byproducts. In response, ATX Organics cleared out its vape inventory in anticipation of the upcoming ban.

Brandon Tijerina, the owner of ATX Organics, mentioned that their vape cartridges use glass heating coils instead of ceramic or cotton to avoid such harmful byproducts. The shop, which grows its own hemp and manufactures its own edibles and concentrates, prides itself on maintaining control over its products' quality.

The fate of Senate Bill 6 and whether Governor Greg Abbott would veto it again remains uncertain. Abbott previously vetoed a law authored by Sen. Charles Perry, calling for stricter regulations instead of prohibition. Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, also expressed concerns about the potential punishment for individuals selling prohibited vapes. Cook, who previously authored a law to ban e-cigarette advertising near schools, is not in favor of criminalizing cannabinoids or THC.

Texas law bans marijuana but legalized hemp in 2019. Almost 9,000 businesses are registered with the state to sell consumable hemp products in Texas. Hemp is defined by law as containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 by dry weight, while marijuana contains more than 100 cannabinoids including Delta-8 and THCA.

Senate Bill 2024, another piece of legislation, makes it illegal to market or sell vapes containing cannabinoids in Texas starting September 1. The law does not explicitly ban possession of vapes containing cannabinoids. SB 2024 is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

As the debate over these bills continues, it is clear that the issue of THC products in Texas is a complex one, with concerns about health, business, and law enforcement all at play. The final decision on the future of THC products in Texas is yet to be made.

Beginning on Monday, THC vape sales will be prohibited in Texas