AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon the passage of Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Banning THC, on second reading 21-8 (final passage Friday) with Sen. Hagenbuch, who voted for the bill during the regular session, absent:

“Since 2019, bad actors have taken advantage of a loophole in Texas agriculture law to sell potent, intoxicating forms of THC that have nothing to do with agriculture. These shops have rapidly spread throughout Texas, endangering the health and safety of children and families across our state, with no accountability. These products, often containing dangerous levels of THC, are marketed directly towards young people with colorful packaging and images, making THC look like candy or sweets.

“I made Senate Bill 5 a top legislative priority for the Senate because we refuse to let these rogue retailers exploit loopholes in state law to sell dangerous THC products into our communities. SB 5 has the support of every law enforcement agency in the state, the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, and many families impacted by this scourge sweeping our state. That is why the Texas Senate passed SB 5 today with Republican and Democrat support.”

Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Charles Perry, prohibits the retail sale of any intoxicating cannabinoid in Texas, including in beverages.

SB 5 does not alter Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) or laws related to the farming of hemp. SB 5 does not impact the sale or use of CBD or CBG products.