Texas Lawmakers Still Pushing Misinformation in THC Crackdown

The Texas Senate has once again defied Governor Greg Abbott’s call for THC reform and regulation, instead doubling down on an attempted ban.

Let’s be honest: this debate is exhausting. But we can’t afford to get worn down by a cycle of bad faith, misinformation, and performative politics in Texas. If we stay quiet, the lies win.

For the record, I don't personally use marijuana or THC products. I have in the past, and I know many people who do now — including veterans, cancer patients, and everyday Texans seeking relief or relaxation. We’re not talking about a fringe crowd. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of people across Texas who use these products safely and responsibly.

Minimal Risk, Maximum Hysteria In Texas Marijuana Fight

The evidence is staring us in the face: the risks of THC are minimal. No, not nonexistent — but they’re well within the range of alcohol, and arguably less harmful in some respects. You don’t have to be a user to recognize the hypocrisy and fear-mongering at play.

Leading this most recent charge is Senator Charles Perry of Lubbock, who leaned hard into outdated "Reefer Madness" rhetoric — even claiming that people can be “trippin’ for four days” after using THC products. That’s simply not true. THC doesn’t cause hallucinations or multi-day episodes. But Perry’s exaggeration isn’t meant to inform — it’s meant to scare.

A Circle of Stupidity

Governor Abbott originally vetoed a similar bill, saying enforcement would clash with federal law. He then called a special session and asked lawmakers to come back with “reform and regulation.”

Instead, this group of pearl-clutching legislators — rather than crafting a workable framework — effectively responded with, “nuh-uh,” and sent essentially the same bill right back.

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We’ve now entered a loop of legislative ignorance and willful misinformation. And while I may not be personally invested in THC, I am invested in calling out nonsense when I see it.

We all should be.