Hemp Declassified | Source: Unsplash
Yeehaw, Texans! Have you heard the news? The great state of Texas has declassified hemp as a controlled substance! It’s a big deal, but what does this actually mean for the Lone Star State? Let’s dive into the world of hemp, marijuana, and cannabis laws in Texas to find out!
Holy Hemp – What Does This Mean for Texas?
Alright, folks, buckle up because we’ve got some exciting news coming out of the Lone Star State. On April 5th, 2019, Texas removed hemp from the list of controlled substances.
Now, we know what you’re thinking – cannabis in conservative Texas? That’s gotta be a joke, right? But hold onto your hats, because it’s true. While this doesn’t make hemp legal right away, it’s a step in the right direction.
A Brief History of Hemp in Texas: From Prohibition to Progress
Before we get too excited about this recent development, let’s take a quick look at the history of hemp in Texas.
Back in the 1930s, the U.S. government started cracking down on cannabis in all forms, including hemp. By the 1950s, hemp was completely outlawed in the United States. It wasn’t until 2014 that the federal government started allowing states to cultivate hemp for research purposes. Then, in 2018, the federal government made hemp federally legal under the Farm Bill.
Now, in 2019, Texas has declassified hemp as a controlled substance. That’s a lot of progress in a relatively short amount of time, wouldn’t you say?
Hemp vs. Marijuana – What’s the Difference?
Hemp Vs Marijuana | Source: PIXTA
One thing that often gets confused when we talk about hemp is its close cousin, marijuana. While both plants come from the cannabis family, they’re actually quite different.
Hemp contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that gets you high. Instead, it’s rich in CBD, which has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Marijuana, on the other hand, has much higher levels of THC and is typically used for recreational purposes. So, while hemp and marijuana might look similar, they’re really two different plants.
The Confusing World of Cannabis Laws in Texas
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Texas cannabis laws. Here’s the deal, according to a post on the Legacy Healing Tampa website, back in 2015, Texas technically made medical cannabis legal under the Compassionate Use Act.
But, and this is a big but, it’s an incredibly difficult process to actually get your hands on medical cannabis in Texas. You have to have a specific form of epilepsy, try two FDA-approved drugs first, get approval from one of the very few doctors in the state allowed to give such approval, and then get the product which has to have less than 0.3% THC from one of the few companies allowed to produce it for a price that’s frankly, outrageous. So, while it’s technically legal, it might as well not be.
The Potential Benefits of Hemp: From CBD to Sustainability
Benefits of Hemp | Source: Healthline
As we mentioned earlier, hemp is rich in CBD, which has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. It can help with everything from anxiety to chronic pain to seizures. But the benefits of hemp go beyond just CBD.
Hemp is also incredibly sustainable, requiring less water and pesticides than other crops. It can be used to make everything from clothing to paper to building materials. So, not only is hemp good for our health, it’s good for the planet too.
CBD & Health Benefits
CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp. It is known for its therapeutic properties and has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. Research suggests that CBD can help with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, inflammation, and seizures.
One of the most promising uses of CBD is for epilepsy. In fact, the only FDA-approved drug containing CBD is Epidiolex, which is used to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. The declassification of hemp in Texas could lead to more research on CBD and its potential uses.
Beyond CBD: Industrial Hemp
While CBD has been a major focus of the hemp industry, there are many other potential uses for this versatile plant.
Industrial hemp has a wide range of applications, from textiles to construction materials. Here are some examples:
- Clothing: Hemp fiber is incredibly strong and durable, making it an ideal material for clothing. It’s also naturally resistant to mold and bacteria, making it a great choice for outdoor wear.
- Paper: Hemp can be used to make paper, and it requires much less water and fewer chemicals than traditional wood pulp paper.
- Building materials: Hemp can be used to make a variety of building materials, including insulation, concrete, and even biodegradable plastic.
- Food: Hemp seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a powder to use in recipes.
Hemp & Sustainability
Hemp is also incredibly sustainable compared to other crops. It requires less water and pesticides to grow, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. It also has a short growing cycle and can be used to improve soil quality.
In addition to being sustainable in its growth and production, hemp can also help to reduce waste. Hemp fiber can be used to make biodegradable plastic and other materials that are less harmful to the environment than traditional plastics.
What’s Next for Texas? Debating Bills and Establishing Programs
While the declassification of hemp is a step in the right direction, it’s only the beginning of the process.
Texas lawmakers will need to tackle a range of issues, including labeling, testing products, FDA approval, and law enforcement policies. They will also need to establish a state-sanctioned program for growing hemp.
As the debate unfolds, it’s important for Texans to stay informed and engaged. Your voice can make a difference in shaping the future of cannabis laws in Texas.
Yeehaw! Celebrating Progress and Looking Toward the Future
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, there’s reason to celebrate the progress that has been made.
The declassification of hemp is a victory for advocates who have been fighting for cannabis reform in Texas. It’s also a sign that attitudes toward cannabis are changing across the country. As more states move to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, Texas may eventually follow suit.
For now, we can take heart in the fact that change is possible, even in a conservative state like Texas.
Key Takeaways!
Y’all, the declassification of hemp in Texas is a big deal for cannabis enthusiasts!
● Even though there are some roadblocks ahead, we should celebrate this progress.
● From the potential health benefits of hemp to its sustainability, there are so many reasons to get excited.
● With some more education and advocacy, we can help shape the future of cannabis laws not just in Texas, but all over the country!
● So let’s keep the conversation going and ride this wild hemp train to a better future! Yeehaw!
Texas still has a long way to go, as does the nation as a whole, but once again this is progress in the right direction. Be sure to visit The Happy Campers for all of the latest cannabis news and findings.