Overview

• A House Appropriations subcommittee approved on June 5 a spending bill amendment that would redefine hemp to exclude any consumable product containing measurable THC or similar cannabinoids.
• Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 3 to outlaw consumable hemp-derived THC products and linked House Bill 46 to expand medical marijuana access, leaving Governor Greg Abbott with a veto decision by June 22.
• Industry groups including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the National Cannabis Industry Association warn the federal measure could collapse a $28 billion market and cost over 300,000 jobs.
• Hemp executives and trade organizations contend precise rules on testing, labeling and age verification would better safeguard public health and curb illicit sales.
• The full House Appropriations Committee will mark up the agriculture-FDA funding bill on June 11 as the debate over a federal THC ban intensifies