The unintended consequences of SB 3 on Public Safety & the Drug Crisis
By Dan Hobson
As a veteran – as well as the President & Founder of Texas’ first addiction recovery based hospital, Rise Recovery Services and Family Hospital Systems – I have some concerns for the unintended consequences of banning all consumable hemp. Senate Bill 3 in the Texas Legislature may be well-intentioned, but it poses serious risks to public health and safety for veterans and the public.
The punitive approach of SB 3 will likely increase fentanyl poisoning, fuel a synthetic drug market, and contribute to a rise in crime. Keep in mind that by both Federal & State definition, hemp is 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Everything above that is marijuana – which has become increasingly potent and dangerous.
First, SB 3 would drive hemp providers out of the state and out of sight (underground), making those who choose to use more susceptible to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fear of harsher penalties deters individuals from seeking help, overdose reversal medications, or addiction treatment, all resulting in the likelihood of more overdose deaths.
This is especially important because fentanyl is the #1 Killer of U.S. Citizens ages 18-45, according to the CDC.
Second, SB 3 would empower the black market for synthetic drugs without addressing the root causes of addiction. The bill would incentivize traffickers to produce more potent and lethal substances to maximize profit and reduce detection; we have seen this pattern all too often with fentanyl replacing heroin as the drug of choice in many markets.
I have done many events with far too many grieving Angel Moms (who have lost their children to fentanyl) and treated far too many patients with fentanyl in their system to doubt that I am right.
Third, history has shown that punitive policies do not reduce demand or availability. Instead, they strain our criminal justice system and disproportionately affect some of our most vulnerable citizens.
This may also increase the synthetic products sold at unregulated gas stations and shops, which could have a negative effect on those suffering from addiction.
Too many Texans have lost their battles with addiction. That is why I support further thoughtful regulations on hemp, such as making it only available to those 21 and over (like alcohol and cigarettes), physically restricting access to the product within stores or making stores age-gated access, and utilizing child-proof packaging.
The product, although containing low amounts of THC, needs to be used responsibly and by adults only.
We all want to improve safety. Unfortunately, SB 3 takes an illusionary approach – with potentially dangerous consequences.
Dan Hobson is the Founder & President of Texas’ first addiction recovery based hospital, Rise Recovery Services, Inc., and the Rise Community Family Hospital Systems which has more than six locations across Texas. 
