Cannabis companies in Texas face strict regulations
Why Cannabis Regulation In Texas Is Complex And Problematic
Farmers in Texas come from a long line of agricultural heritage. But across the state, the view on one plant, in particular, is controversial. Known as ‘hemp‘ (cannabis Sativa), this drug is a hot topic of conversation. Texas, in particular, is a very conservative state and it has always had a tenuous relationship with the crop. Check out our article here, which explains the current regulation of it in Texas.
It was only in 2019 was the cultivation, processing, and sale of commercial hemp legalized. However, the state still opposes cannabis use for the purpose of ‘getting high’. Hence, the recent conditions of its allowance reflect that stance. Currently, there is a ban on produce with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of over 0.3%. Of the numerous chemicals in cannabis, only CBD (cannabidiol) is permissible.
The recent regulations on hemp companies are quite stringent
In Texas, the recent bill passed by the government has legalized the use of hemp. Due to its toughness and durability, hemp has long been used in industrial applications and goods. However, the rest of the cannabis plant is illegal. This is because of its association with THC, a noted psychoactive drug. While THC has been shown to have mixed effects on health, CBD is considered safer.
Hemp companies have it pretty bad, too. The legislation that legalized hemp only did so with several caveats. The main points of consideration for all hemp companies are the now mandatory registration and licensing. And as Pur IsoLabs can confirm, very punitive.
Pur IsoLabs is a CBD-containing products retailer based in Kendall County, Texas. The president of the company is Austin Ruple, who is expecting their first crop. This is due to the very recent legalization of hemp, and the fair amount of time each harvest requires. For a small company, it is, therefore, disappointing that the yield will be relatively small. In the meanwhile, public demand for cannabis has gone up. Larger, more established companies have started to swoop in for the business. This is because they can easily get the legal legwork done, and afford the fees.
Texas’s intolerance of most cannabis products stems from old societal taboos
Public morals across America have shifted since the 20th century. Since the puritanical roots of the higher social classes emerged, cannabis intolerance spiked. Since the 1930’s propaganda against ‘marijuana’ was used to vilify the Latino populace. Racism and blatant lies that the drug would encourage laziness and fraternize with non-whites fueled the flames against cannabis. It was made illegal across most of the nation until recently.
As other progressive nations like New Zealand and those in Europe legalize cannabis, some states in the USA have followed suit. However, until that is done the imbalance cannot be shifted. Even until now, senseless arrests over petty crimes like recent cannabis use abound. Just the possession of cannabis is an expensive misdemeanor (bail can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars). The recent War On Drugs mentality has left the cannabis trade in America broken.
Several studies have linked cannabis to medical applications and benefits
More and more studies are being released that agree on numerous unexpected benefits of cannabis. While smoking the drug can be unhealthy, the consumption as food or pills seems promising.
As several experts are now agreeing, America needs to change its attitude towards the plant. Years of blind dismissal and fear-mongering have led to very little work done on marijuana in medicine. Hopefully, as legislation nationwide changes, we may yet see an improvement.
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