Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Criticizes AbbottS THC Order, Citing Enforcement Concerns
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick publicly criticized Governor Greg abbott’s recent executive order regulating THC products, expressing skepticism about its enforceability and potential impact on law enforcement resources. The order, issued earlier this week, aims to ban delta-8, delta-9 THC, and other intoxicating hemp-derived products not approved by state regulators, and directs state agencies to implement stricter regulations.
Patrick voiced his concerns during a press conference, questioning the practicality of enforcing the ban given existing police staffing shortages and the potential financial burden of establishing a regulatory framework. “Where are the bodies and the money going to come from?” he asked, according to CBS News Texas. “I mean you’ve got police officers in the state that can’t fill their own openings for police officers. Where are we going to find all these regulators?”
The Governor’s executive order follows a series of raids against THC businesses in several Texas cities. While some,like Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller,have praised Abbott’s move as a necessary step to protect minors,Patrick’s criticism highlights a growing debate over the best approach to regulating the rapidly evolving hemp market.
Miller stated, ”Governor Greg Abbott deserves praise for protecting minors from THC products while respecting the rights of responsible, law-abiding adults… I’ve always supported cracking down on intoxicating THC products sold over the counter without age limits, and I’m pleased to see the Governor’s Executive Order offer common-sense solutions.”
Industry groups have offered mixed reactions. Hometown Hero,an Austin-based hemp company,celebrated the order,particularly the inclusion of an age gate,stating on X (formerly Twitter),”Gov. abbott has delivered on the age gate we’ve been fighting for years and solidifies that our industry is legitimized and here to stay!”
however, the texas Hemp Business Council expressed support for protecting minors but urged “practical enforcement” of the new regulations. ”We fully support measures that ensure hemp products are sold only to adults aged 21 and over… We urge regulators to implement these directives in a way that does not create undue burdens on responsible hemp businesses,” the council said in a statement.
