In a significant legislative move, the Texas House has passed a bill aimed at banning the sale and possession of THC cannabis products, including consumable hemp items. This decision has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders, including business owners who fear the economic repercussions of a total THC ban, emphasizing that prohibition may not be the solution but rather regulation. The ban, which is now headed to the governor’s desk, has also drawn criticism from some Democrats who argue that Republicans are inadvertently empowering cartels by restricting these products. While proponents of the ban, including lawmakers like Dan Patrick, tout it as a win for public safety, opponents—including veterans and medical marijuana advocates—are raising concerns over the impact on the thriving hemp industry. As Texas prepares to potentially outlaw most hemp products, discussions around medical marijuana expansion are also gaining traction amid promises of maintaining hemp production for farmers.