Reefer Madness & The Absurdity Of TABC
Enough with the Reefer Madness: Demand Sensible Cannabis Policy in Texas
The war on cannabis in Texas is flaring up again, fueled by the same tired "reefer madness" myths that have plagued policy for decades. As advocates for personal freedom, public health, and common sense, we’re fed up—and you should be too. Bills like Senate Bill 6 (SB 6) and House Bill 6 (HB 6) threaten to ban safe, regulated hemp-derived products, while the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) remains too restrictive for patients in need. To top it off, the proposal to hand hemp regulation to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)—an agency clueless about cannabis—is downright absurd. It’s time to ditch fearmongering and demand policies that prioritize regulation over prohibition.
Why Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Are Safe and Vital
Let’s be clear: hemp-derived cannabinoids, like delta-8 and delta-9 THC, are not the danger they’re made out to be. These products, when produced by reputable businesses, come with certificates of analysis (COAs) ensuring quality, purity, and safety. Responsible retailers verify customer ages to prevent underage access, just like with alcohol or tobacco. Unlike the illicit market, regulated hemp products are tested for contaminants and potency, giving consumers transparency and confidence.
Science backs this up. Cannabis is far less harmful than alcohol, which causes thousands of deaths annually in the U.S., or even over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, which can damage the liver when misused. A 2015 study found marijuana’s risk of overdose death is effectively zero, unlike alcohol or opioids. Yet, Texas lawmakers are pushing to ban hemp-derived THC while alcohol flows freely at every corner store. This double standard isn’t just illogical—it’s dangerous. A ban would drive consumers to unregulated black markets with no COAs, no age checks, and no safety standards.
The Absurdity of TABC Regulating Hemp
Adding insult to injury, Representative Briscoe Cain’s HB 309 proposes transferring hemp regulation from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This is absurd. The TABC knows liquor—bars, beer licenses, and bourbon—not cannabis. Hemp products require expertise in chemistry, lab testing, and medical applications, areas where TABC has zero experience. It’s like asking a heart surgeon to perform brain surgery. This move risks sloppy oversight, misinformed policies, and unfair enforcement that could cripple businesses and limit consumer access.
The DSHS, while not perfect, at least has experience with health-related regulations and lab standards through the Consumable Hemp Program. Handing the reins to TABC could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the nuances of hemp, from strain-specific effects to COA requirements. The TABC’s history of underfunding enforcement for alcohol doesn’t inspire confidence they’ll handle hemp any better. A Texas Hemp Council, as proposed in HB 309, could help—if it’s staffed with actual cannabis experts, not alcohol industry insiders. We need regulation that understands the industry, not a bureaucratic power grab.
The Current State of Play: A Glimmer of Hope
Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) earlier this year was a victory, rejecting a blanket THC ban and calling for a special session to regulate hemp sensibly. But the fight isn’t over. As of August 2025, SB 6 and HB 6—bills banning consumable THC products—are stalled in the House Public Health Committee, but they could gain traction when lawmakers return after the holiday weekend. HB 309 offers a regulatory framework, including the Texas Hemp Council and TABC oversight, but it must prioritize expertise and access over heavy-handed restrictions.
On the medical cannabis front, House Bill 46 (HB 46) expanded TCUP by increasing the THC cap and adding satellite locations. However, the Senate gutted key provisions, limiting new qualifying conditions to terminal patients in hospice care. This leaves Texans with chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions without adequate access to medical cannabis.
Why This Matters to You
This isn’t just about hemp—it’s about personal freedom, public health, and economic opportunity. A regulated hemp industry supports Texas businesses, creates jobs, and generates tax revenue—over $5.4 million since 2019, only a third of which has been used for enforcement, as noted by Dr. Katharine Neill Harris in the Houston Chronicle. Banning hemp products won’t eliminate demand; it’ll empower black-market dealers who sell untested products to anyone, regardless of age. Veterans, chronic pain sufferers, and everyday Texans rely on these products to improve their lives. Prohibition doesn’t make us safer—it makes us less free.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
We can’t let outdated prohibitionist policies win. Here’s how you can act now to advocate for sensible cannabis reform in Texas:
- Contact Your State Legislators: Use the Texas Legislature’s tool to find your House Representative and Senator. Urge a “NO” vote on SB 6/HB 6, support for HB 309’s regulatory approach (with cannabis experts, not TABC), and keeping hemp regulation under DSHS. Share personal stories about how cannabis helps you or others.
Sample Message: “Dear [Representative/Senator], As a constituent, I oppose SB 6/HB 6, which would ban safe, regulated hemp products. These are tested, age-verified, and less harmful than alcohol. Handing regulation to TABC, as in HB 309, is absurd—they lack cannabis expertise. Keep oversight with DSHS and expand TCUP for patients. Thank you.” - Submit Public Comments on TCUP Rules: DPS and DSHS are accepting comments on proposed TCUP rules until October 1, 2025. Advocate for expanded qualifying conditions and patient access. Submit comments via the Texas Register for DPS and DSHS.
- Attend the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference: Join advocates at Texas A&M in January 2026 to strategize for reform. Register at www.texascannabisconference.org.
- Engage in Local Politics: Become a delegate at your party’s 2026 precinct, county, or state convention to influence cannabis policy platforms. Contact your county party chair for details.
- Support Advocacy Groups: Donate to the Texas Cannabis Policy Center or Texas Cannabis Collective to fund education and lobbying.
- Spread the Word: Share this post and Dr. Neill Harris’ op-ed on social media. Follow @TXCannabisPolicy and @TXCannaCo on X for updates.
Let’s End the Reefer Madness
The “reefer madness” era belongs in history books, not our laws. Texans deserve cannabis policies that respect science, prioritize safety, and uphold freedom. By regulating hemp properly and expanding medical cannabis access, we can protect consumers, support businesses, and end the harm of prohibition. With the special session winding down and the 2027 legislative session looming after the 2026 elections, now is the time to act.
Join us at the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference in January 2026, contact your legislators today, and let’s show Texas we’re done with fear-based policies. Together, we can build a safe, legal, and well-regulated cannabis industry.
Onward Toward Liberty!
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