Texas faces a growing health crisis linked to products marketed as ‘hemp’ but containing synthetic intoxicants like delta-8 THC. Recent hospitalizations of children highlight the dangers. The 2018 federal Farm Bill allowed industrial hemp farming but did not legalize THC-infused products. Despite federal agencies deeming these products illegal, Texas laws remain outdated. Senate Bill 3 aimed to close legal loopholes and empower regulators but was vetoed. The debate continues as Congress considers federal measures. Critics argue that regulating hemp equates to legalizing recreational marijuana, posing risks similar to alcohol and tobacco. Texas must enforce existing laws and consider reviving SB 3 to address this issue.
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