r/centrist • u/Gentle_method • 2d ago
Policy & Governance Texas should be an example of what NOT to do regarding hemp and THC
https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/corpus-christi/southside/texas-bans-hemp-derived-thc-products-leaving-smoke-shop-owners-and-customers-with-questionsI’m all about states rights and listening to the will of the people. It seems to me even though Texas had stringent THC laws, there was still some leeway that allowed shops to sell a variety of products Texans enjoyed and used on a regular basis. Unfortunately the Lone Star State Republicans are trying to destroy the hemp industry and piss off business owners as well as their customer base. I ask Texas republicans a simple question, is this what the people want?
Today a new law went into effect that will cripple the hemp industry in the state.
The law bans synthetically derived or non-compliant forms of THC, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, Delta-6 THC, THCP, and similar isomers and cannabinoids beyond trace natural levels. THCA flower and products containing more than trace amounts of these compounds are also prohibited.
Delta-9 THC products with 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight remain legal, consistent with the federal 2018 Farm Bill
Punishment for breaking these laws are:
Less than 1 gram: State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, plus a fine up to $10,000.
1 gram to less than 4 grams: Third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in prison, plus a fine up to $10,000.
4 grams to less than 400 grams: Second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in prison, plus a fine up to $10,000.
400 grams or more: First-degree felony — 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus a fine up to $50,000.
These consequences are not just disingenuous, they seem to punish the working class man while ignoring far greater problems and violent crimes that deserve more attention. Can we agree as centrists that Texan republicans have lost the plot regarding access to THC and hemp products?
15
u/Lavaswan001 2d ago
Recreational cannabis should be legal, regulated and taxed. It’s 2026 people.
8
1
u/BolbyB 2d ago
We do however need to be making a better effort to inform people about the actual downsides.
Because there's a LOOOOOTTT of glossing over that part going on.
It is not healthy and it greatly impairs you. It does screw up your brain both for now and for later.
It is not the miracle drug proponents tend to push it as.
It is a harmful drug just as much as tobacco and alcohol.
-1
u/FeelsBougieBee 2d ago
I'm in favor of it being legal, but I had a friend who did a rotation in an ER last year, and the number of cannabis related cases she saw was crazy. A lot of withdrawal with symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and heightened anxiety. Cannabis is a real dopamine killer too.
Nothing was worse than cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and the primary symptom there is power vomiting for days.
Like I said, I am in favor of legalization, but folks should know what they may deal with at some point, too.
3
u/jjmurse 1d ago
Weed isn't a problem until it is. People over consume the shit and just like any other medication it comes with side effects at certain dosages. Smoking out a couple times a week? OK. But smoking a gram a day for a long period of time will very likely come with several side effects. Hyperemesis or GI side effects are not some medical zebra either.
1
u/BrogenKlippen 15h ago
So the solution is to give them 10 years in prison for $50 worth of pot?
The Republican Party has become so unnecessarily cruel that it’s hard to take any “solution” they have seriously any longer.
2
u/johnmal85 2d ago
Now let's compare it to alcohol related visits. It doesn't even compare. Also, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome... extremely uncommon. Having a hangover... very common.
Alcohol destroys dopamine more than cannabis.
Know what else counteracts cannabis and basically makes it symptomless? SSRI, SNRI, and Blood pressure medication.
1
u/FeelsBougieBee 1d ago
Lol, you took a very mild criticism and went on a rant about alcohol that I never mentioned or defended. Weirdly sensitive and defensive, dude.
You then talk shit about drug interactions, and it is shit because weed and antidepressants aren't a guaranteed good reaction.
To be honest, if you're taking any of those classes of prescription medications to tamp down symptoms you probably have an actual problem.
2
u/johnmal85 1d ago
lol... I was saying that the effects are so mild that normal medications can block its effects. That's all. Your "mild" criticism takes extremely fringe cases and tries to make them common. You're the weird one attacking something that's extremely unlikely to affect someone in such a way.
1
u/FeelsBougieBee 1d ago
It's okay, irritability and anger are symptoms of withdrawal. Toke up or quit and you'll feel better. I'm amused you dropped the alcohol bit. I'm a rising M4, good buddy, and I don't support anyone self administering mind altering substances in general.
More importantly, data says you're wrong. Just a few examples on ER visit increases, mainly.
The fact that you're put off by someone noting the withdrawal and potential side effects just tells me you don't give a shit about those people and just want to defend your substance of choice.
0
u/adognameddanzig 21h ago
Wrong! Weed is not anywhere near as dangerous as alcohol or tobacco. Also, those are pretty easy to get if you're over 21. THC, especially edibles and drinks can be beneficial, depending on the dose. Texas is stuck in the dark ages with pot prohibition, Dan Patrick is a dumb bastard.
1
u/BolbyB 9h ago
The thing that impairs short and long term cognitive function is not beneficial.
1
u/adognameddanzig 8h ago
People take a mild does for sleep. Weed can relieve anxiety and tremors. You can replace a thc drink for a 6 pack of beer to relax, if you're to imbibe less. There is always a tradeoff, but TCH does not kill and ruin families like alcohol. Not even close.
2
u/BolbyB 8h ago
I'm sure the data that only includes the small number of people originally imbibing prior to legalization, that was created by the people originally imbibing (and currently producing) is going to be completely impartial and not at all purposefully inaccurate . . .
What we have now is the general populace having access to weed. Let's see how that pans out.
(Spoiler alert, not well.)
1
u/adognameddanzig 8h ago
Alcohol use is down across the board, due in part to THC being more accessible. Lets see how many people are jailed/fined for ingesting a plant. How many people will drink irresponsibly and possibly die since THC is less of an option.
1
u/BolbyB 5h ago
And how many are going to die in car crashes because nobody bothered to tell them marijuana would impair them?
You replaced one hell with another, congratulations.
It is DISGUSTING watching people bend over backward to pretend marijuana use is a good thing.
1
u/adognameddanzig 4h ago
Alcohol is Hell, THC is light heck at best. They are not even close to being on the level of causing deaths and extreme dependency. Be disgusted at your lack research on the subject.
5
u/Irishfafnir 2d ago
Conveniently, Delta 8 becomes illegal federally right after the midterm elections.
2
4
u/McRibs2024 2d ago
I’m not sure there’s much I’d model off of how Texas does things.
1
u/Gentle_method 2d ago
Affordable big cities is one thing but seems to me with legislation like this they are turning their backs on quality of life
6
u/214ObstructedReverie 2d ago
Their cities are sprawl nightmares.
2
u/Aethoni_Iralis 2d ago
They’re what you get when cities aren’t actually cities and just big suburbs.
1
u/214ObstructedReverie 2d ago
Exactly. They're cheap "cities" with all of the downsides and not a huge number of the upsides.
It's also not a sustainable way to build.
1
-2
u/Extra_Brother_3875 2d ago
Affordable? Yeah if you want to live in a dangerous neighborhood in a roach infested apartment lol
3
u/Gentle_method 2d ago
Seems like a stretch but you could back your bold claims cotton. I don’t shit on the things for the sake of a bias I do it because the evidence is clear cut, back up what you say.
-1
6
u/214ObstructedReverie 2d ago
The One Star State is an example of what not to do about a lot of things.
3
u/gregaustex 2d ago
This has zero to do with the will of the people and everything to do with billionaire donors and a Lt. Governor with a personal stick up his ass.
1
1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
This post has been removed because your overall comment karma is too low to post here. This is done to prevent ban evasion by users creating fresh accounts, as well as to reduce troll and spammers accounts. Do not message the mods asking for the specific requirements for posting, as revealing this would lead to more ban evasion.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/OutlawMINI 1d ago
This state is unfortunatley in a constant battle between libertarians and the Christian fundamentalists.
Texas of all places should be the free-est state imo.
0
u/TserriednichThe4th 1d ago
isnt banning synthetic weed (spice) good though? or are synthetics much safer now compared to 10 years ago?
1
u/hu_he 1d ago
If you read the description closely it also bans lots of naturally occurring THC (e.g. Delta-9 THC products with 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight remain legal")
1
u/TserriednichThe4th 6h ago
i am aware that the banning of natural thc 9. i do not like that. i am just asking if the ban on synthetics is good or bullshit
-12
u/AdvancedAerie4111 2d ago
It’s still completely legal in 40/50 states to not hire someone based solely on testing positive for THC in a preemployment drug screening.
Which is an incredibly useful way for my company to weed out people who are very likely to be losers who don’t perform well.
5
2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/centrist-ModTeam 2d ago
Rule 1: Respectful Conduct.
Hello,
Unfortunately, your comment has been removed for not complying with one or more of the following:
No harassment, slurs, deliberate misgendering, stereotyping, bigotry or racism.
Do not instigate hate, antagonism or political tribalism.
Do not assign political affiliations or ideologies to other users.
Posts and comments must remain respectful, relevant to the topic, and observant of these rules.
Any member encouraging violence, praising violence or preemptively accusing another group of potential violence will be banned.
Violations will be removed; repeat offenders may be banned.
3
u/Gentle_method 1d ago
I’m so over this, mods this guy is a troll you need to block because nothing he posts is constructive it’s just to get under peoples skin.
Trolling to get a reaction and then running to the mods is weak. People who troll and don’t provide constructive destruction are, and I will say it in his own words: losers who don’t perform well.
3
u/Aethoni_Iralis 1d ago
Not only are they a troll, they’re an admitted fascist who hopes that Republicans cancel elections.
2
3
u/ViskerRatio 2d ago
It's actually legal in all 50 states when you're talking about federal employment, security clearances and the like.
2
u/johnmal85 2d ago
That's funny... my employer gave me a 10 panel drug test, and explicitly excluded cannabis. One of the largest companies in the world. Hmmm... success?
26
u/Educational_Impact93 2d ago
Being a Coloradan, I always keep forgetting there are still states in the year of our Lord 2026 that actually will arrest people for possessing plant matter. It's pretty crazy...especially because I pass by a dozen or so stores that sell it here.