Note: This does not represent any official judicial position.
As a disabled district judge, I am compelled to speak out against Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a misguided piece of legislation that threatens both the liberties of Texans and the economic vitality of our state. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has aggressively championed this bill, pushing it through the legislature despite significant opposition and concerns.
SB 3 aims to ban all consumable hemp-derived THC products, including Delta-8 and Delta-9, which have been legally sold and regulated in Texas since 2019. This sweeping prohibition disregards the nuanced needs of our communities and undermines the principles of justice and personal freedom.
Five Critical Concerns Regarding SB 3:
1. Economic Devastation: The hemp industry in Texas supports over 8,500 businesses and contributes significantly to the state’s economy. SB 3 threatens to dismantle this thriving sector, leading to job losses and economic downturns in communities reliant on hemp-related commerce.
2. Public Health Risks: By pushing THC products into the black market, we risk exposing consumers to unregulated and potentially dangerous substances. This move could exacerbate public health issues rather than mitigate them.
3. Veterans’ Access to Relief: Many veterans rely on hemp-derived THC products for pain management and PTSD relief. SB 3 limits their access to affordable and effective treatments, disregarding the sacrifices they’ve made for our country.
4. Judicial Overload: The criminalization of these products will burden our already strained legal system, diverting resources from more pressing issues and potentially leading to unjust incarcerations.
5. Disregard for Public Opinion: Surveys indicate that a significant majority of Texans support regulated access to hemp-derived THC products, favoring regulation over prohibition. SB 3 ignores the will of the people.
This legislation also exposes the true nature of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. While MAHA purports to champion alternative therapies and personal wellness, its silence on SB 3 reveals a preference for control over compassion. By supporting policies that criminalize beneficial health options and devastate economic opportunities, purported MAHA Republicans contradict their stated mission and harm the very individuals they claim to support.
SB 3 stands as a regressive measure that contradicts the values of the Democratic Party. It is imperative that we listen to the voices of constituents and prioritize policies that reflect their needs and uphold our democratic principles.
I urge Governor Abbott to veto SB 3 and call upon my fellow Texans to advocate for sensible regulations that protect both public health and personal liberties.
