SB5 — Shake Up The House
Shake Up the House: Texas Senate Bill 5 Threatens Hemp Industry and Consumer Access
The Texas hemp industry and millions of consumers are at a critical crossroads as Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), a sweeping measure to ban most hemp-derived THC products, moves to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration. Passed by the Texas Senate on August 1, 2025, with a 21-8 vote, SB 5 aims to outlaw consumable hemp products containing any detectable amount of cannabinoids other than CBD and CBG, including popular delta-8 and delta-9 THC products that are currently legal under federal law. This bill, if passed into law, could devastate a $5.5 billion industry, eliminate up to 53,000 jobs, and restrict access for Texans—especially veterans and those with chronic conditions—who rely on these products for pain, anxiety, and PTSD relief.
What’s at Stake with Senate Bill 5?
SB 5, authored by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) and backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of hemp-derived THC products, introducing new felony and misdemeanor offenses. Key provisions include:
- Banning Most Hemp Products: The bill prohibits any consumable hemp product containing cannabinoids other than CBD or CBG, effectively eliminating delta-8, delta-9, and other THC derivatives, even those compliant with the federal 2018 Farm Bill.
- Harsh Penalties: Possession of non-compliant hemp products would be a Class C misdemeanor, with repeat offenses escalating to a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a suspended driver’s license. Manufacturing or selling such products could result in a third-degree felony.
- Costly Regulations: Retailers would face $20,000 annual licensing fees per location, manufacturers $10,000 per facility, and each product would require a $500 registration fee, making compliance financially burdensome for small businesses.
- Impact on Consumers: Veterans, patients, and others who use hemp-derived THC for medical purposes could lose access to affordable alternatives, potentially pushing them toward unregulated black markets or addictive opioids.
The bill’s passage in the Senate has sparked significant opposition. Public testimony during a July 22, 2025, Senate hearing highlighted the medical necessity of hemp-derived THC for veterans and patients, the economic fallout for farmers and small businesses, and the risk of driving consumers to unregulated markets. A TexasCannabis.org poll showed 96.2% of respondents oppose SB 5, with only 3.8% supporting a ban. Governor Greg Abbott, who vetoed a similar bill (SB 3) in June 2025, has expressed preference for regulation over prohibition, suggesting restrictions like a 0.3% THC limit, banning sales to those under 21, and prohibiting synthetic cannabinoids. However, recent statements indicate he may support a ban on “extraordinarily dangerous synthetic products” and for those under 21, leaving his stance on SB 5 uncertain.
Why the House Matters Now
The Texas House is the next battleground for SB 5 and its companion, House Bill 5 (HB 5), introduced by Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston). However, the House is currently stalled due to a lack of quorum, as Democratic lawmakers have walked out in protest over proposed redistricting maps. This has delayed action on both bills, but the House Public Health Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on HB 5 on August 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Room E2.030 at the Texas Capitol. Without a quorum, the full House cannot vote, but the committee can still advance HB 5, making public input critical at this stage.
Advocates argue that the House has an opportunity to align with Gov. Abbott’s call for regulation rather than a blanket ban, protecting both public safety and personal choice. Polls show strong public support for a regulated approach, with 79% of Texans favoring medical marijuana legalization and 62% supporting recreational use. A ban could disproportionately harm rural communities, veterans, and communities of color, while undermining an industry that has become an economic lifeline for many.
Shake Up the House: Take Action Now
Texans have a chance to influence the outcome by contacting their state representatives to oppose SB 5 and HB 5 and advocate for sensible regulation. Here’s how you can make your voice heard:
- Find Your Representative:
- Visit https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home to look up your Texas House representative by entering your address.
- Alternatively, call the Texas House switchboard at (512) 463-1000 to get connected to your representative’s office.
- Contact Your Representative:
- Call or Email: Use the contact information provided on your representative’s official page (typically found via the lookup tool). Keep your message concise and personal, explaining why you oppose a hemp ban (e.g., medical necessity, economic impact, or personal freedom).
- Sample Message:
Dear Representative [Name],
I urge you to oppose House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 5, which would ban hemp-derived THC products. These products are vital for many Texans, including veterans and patients managing chronic conditions. A ban would harm small businesses, eliminate jobs, and push consumers to unregulated markets. Please support regulation, not prohibition, to protect public health and personal choice.
Sincerely, [Your Name, City] - Pro Tip: Calling is often more impactful than emailing, as staff log calls directly. Be polite and brief, and mention if you’re a constituent.
- Attend the Public Hearing:
- Show up at the Texas Capitol on August 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Room E2.030 for the House Public Health Committee hearing on HB 5.
- Prepare written testimony (bring 20 copies) and be ready to speak for up to 2 minutes. Dress professionally, keep your testimony personal, and avoid repeating others’ points.
- Can’t attend? Submit written testimony via email to the committee clerk (check https://capitol.texas.gov/Committees/Committees.aspx for contact details).
- Spread the Word:
- Share this issue on social media using hashtags like #NoTHCBan and #TXHemp. Tag your representative and encourage others to contact their lawmakers.
- Follow advocacy groups like @TexasHempBiz and @TxMJPolicy on X for updates and calls to action.
Make Noise, Protect Choice
The hemp industry and consumer access to safe, legal products are on the line. SB 5 and HB 5 threaten to criminalize a multi-billion-dollar industry and limit options for Texans who rely on hemp-derived THC. With the House stalled and Gov. Abbott’s position unclear, your voice can tip the scales toward regulation over prohibition. Use the tools above to find your representative, call or email them today, and show up at the Capitol if you can. Together, we can shake up the House and protect Texas’ hemp future.
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