If you live in Texas and enjoy hemp-derived cannabinoids, you need to know about SB264--a bill that threatens our entire industry. So what is this bill, and why is it so potentially devastating?
Learn all of this in more as Hometown Hero CEO and Co-Founder Lukas Gilkey breaks down the issues with Senate Bill 264 in the video below:
Underage Use of Cannabinoids
Did you know that, as of this writing, there's no age restriction for hemp-derived cannabinoids in Texas?
At Hometown Hero, we use BlueCheck to verify that our customers are 21 or older, and we encourage all of our partners to do so. Why do we do this even though we're not required?
Simply put, it's the right thing to do, and SB264 does nothing to address this issue.
Lack of Testing For Out-Of-State Sellers
We believe that every hemp product should be subject to full-panel testing. "Full-panel testing" means the product has been inspected in a lab to detect cannabinoid content and contaminants. And we have full-panel test results available for all of our products.
As a Texas-registered business, we are legally required to have our products undergo full-panel testing. That's what all Texas-registered hemp businesses are required to do. And if you are ordering from out-of-state, you can rest assured that we are registered in your state.
But as of this writing, Texas does not require out-of-state vendors to be registered. This significant regulation gap allows unknown entities to bypass testing requirements and sell their products to Texas residents.
And again, SB264 doesn't do anything to address this issue.
Creating a New Black Market
If you look through the history of prohibition in America, one thing is certain—it's the fastest and easiest way to create a black market.
SB264 aims to kill the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry in Texas.
So which one sounds better to you?
Should we keep an industry based around a federally-legal product that has created jobs, supported families, and helped keep small businesses afloat?
Or should we take all that away and give it to criminals instead?
The answer here is obvious.
Lacks Scientific Basis
Senate Bill 264 falsely declares many hemp-derived cannabinoids as "synthetic." And this derives from a fundamental misunderstanding of the term "synthesis."
"Synthesis" is when one molecule changes into another very similar molecule. For example, when hemp flower is left out in the sun, the CBD will synthesize into other cannabinoids, such as THC.
Is that final molecule synthetic?
Most hemp-derived cannabinoids are made through a process of synthesis going from one molecule that naturally occurs in hemp to another that naturally occurs in hemp.
Doesn't Address Real Dangers to Texas Residents
People in Texas face far greater dangers from illicit substances than SB264 proposes to address. The simple truth is that people don't die from these products.
The bill's author and supporters have been trying to frame companies in the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry as a "rogue" industry.
Does a "rogue industry" have its products by the Department of Public Safety?
Have any enforcement actions been taken against this "rogue industry?"
What are the names of these non-compliant entities operating in this "rogue industry?"
Fentanyl kills about 150 people between the ages of 18 and 45 per day in this country.
Do hemp-derived cannabinoids sound like a public health emergency to you?
Your Support Counts
SB264 isn't the first time that hemp-derived cannabinoids came under threat in the Texas Legislature. But much like the last time (and in our current lawsuit involving the DSHS), you can surely bet that we'll be there to ensure the people of Texas can access these remarkable products.
And whether you've been with us for a while or are new, we sincerely thank you for your support in this upcoming battle.
Until next time.
9 comments
Our Smokes N Edibles stores in the DFW area have flyers out on our cash counters and door with a QR code customers can scan to be taken to the hemp Roundtable website where it pre-fills the bill info and all your politician emails in for you to send a comment to stop this bill. I shared this flyer with all local wholesalers as well.
We are committed to fighting right along Hometown Hero to keep our industry alive. We have three very powerful organizations trying to stop the hemp industry. Big Pharma, Marijuana industry and alcohol industry. This has been an uphill battle from the start. I truly hope customers finally take back their power and fight to keep our industry here for good.
I challenge anyone to bring me news stories about crimes being done with people using hemp products! Yet politicians are in the back pockets of several industries who are feeling their profits drop and are looking to stop the hemp industry no matter how it affects consumers.
We love Hometown Hero and many of our customers find great relief in their products. Thank you for helping to fight this issue. I hope we are all in business for years to come. I know our products help people tremendously.
What is the best way to get this bill killed? I count on D8 and 9 to ease the pain, nausea, etc. from Cancer, Fibromyalgia and Psoriatic Arthritis. To lose the ability to purchase Hemp products will be devestating!
Is there a comment period? What can we do to help?
I love Hometown Hero! Your products have helped me cope with pain and stress, get a healthy night’s sleep, and cut back on alcohol. I live in Wisconsin where there are lot of legal options, but I order from Hometown Hero in Texas because of a safe, trustworthy, high-quality product, with great customer service — and to support the ideas of Vets helping Vets. Why would anyone want to destroy an honest, healthy, thriving business and drive the cannabis market back into to the shadows?
We use your d8 products, as well as cbd products instead of pharmaceutical products and we are healthier and feel better than we have in years. This bill eliminates our choices and our only chance to be able to live, and work healthfully, productively, and happily. I think the bill is partly about the pharmaceutical industry’s profit margins.