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Tag: advocacy groups

Texas Advocacy for Hemp: Life Rafts vs. Torpedoes

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative.

 

The Texas Legislature is not kind to perceived bad industries that show division. Lawmakers, especially those in the governing party, are well-practiced in divide-and-rule. When they see infighting, they exploit it. When they see an industry that can’t even align on its own interests, they stop taking it seriously. That is why survival in this fight depends entirely on solidarity.

 
And yet, Bayou City Hemp just made the worst possible mistake. By circulating a flyer in the Capitol calling for a ban on all smokable hemp—without even informing their own trade association leaders—they didn’t just undermine the industry’s collective voice. They handed prohibitionists exactly what they wanted: proof that even we aren’t convinced of our own legitimacy.

It’s as if, seeing the torpedo in the water, Bayou City launched their own life raft, hoping to save themselves before the ship went down. But that’s not how this works. The prohibitionists don’t see them as allies—they see them as easy targets. The second the industry collapses, Bayou City’s raft won’t be spared. It will be machine-gunned like the rest. And in the process, they’ve weakened the entire industry’s argument for reasonable regulation. Instead of presenting a united front to lawmakers, they’ve reinforced the very narrative prohibitionists are pushing—that this is an industry that cannot regulate itself and therefore must be banned altogether.

 

If they truly believed in this course of action, they should have done it the right way—resigning from the board, stating their case within industry discussion groups  and working with the professional advocates and advocacy groups—who are expert at understanding the political landscape, the unwritten rules, and finding ways to win when weaker sisters panic—to find a compromises and creative solutions. For example, the main knock on our industry right now is the largely unproven allegation that we sell and market to kids. While we can all agree that mimicking brands of children cereals and candies is a bad look, there’s no Joe Camel-level duplicity happening here but the narrative is established and refuting it costs more energy than we any benefit we’d derive from engaging in the “I know you are, but what am I?” tropes that so often ensue in similar circumstances.

 

The answer: we’ve been working diligently to identify and refine technologies that make it much less chancy when it comes to age gating—as an upcoming article in Special Legislative issue of the Texas Hemp Reporter will demonstrate, harnessing the power of AI and facial recognition tightens up on the one area of weakness we all admit we have—consistent carding of customers and retail clerks who are 100% compliant and on the ball every single transaction.

 
As you’ll see from the machines, we can show law makers we’ve got it figured out and seek collaboration on areas of alignment, not mindless deflection to other players in industry when we feel out own interests threatened. This is just one example of what Bayou City might have done. Instead, they’ve set the stage for a circular firing squad within the industry, betraying the broader interests they had at least an arguable duty to represent and doing the prohibitionists’ work of undermining credibility for them.
Now is the time for discipline, not desperation. If we want lawmakers to treat this as a mature, responsible industry worthy of negotiation, we need to act like one. Anything less, and we are simply making the case for our own demise.

Bastrop Poised to Decriminalize Low-Level Marijuana Offenses

Written by Clay Moore on . Posted in Cannabis News.

In a significant move for cannabis reform, the city of Bastrop, Texas, is on the brink of decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses. This progressive shift aligns Bastrop with other Texas cities that are reevaluating their approach to cannabis, reflecting a broader trend toward more lenient marijuana policies across the state.

 

The initiative in Bastrop follows a growing number of Texas municipalities that have taken steps to decriminalize minor marijuana possession. This movement is largely driven by the recognition of the disproportionate impact that low-level marijuana arrests have on communities and the desire to reallocate law enforcement resources to more pressing matters.

 

Local advocacy groups and community members have been instrumental in pushing for this change. Their efforts highlight the community’s preference for a more sensible approach to cannabis regulation. The proposed ordinance would make the possession of small amounts of marijuana a low priority for law enforcement, effectively reducing the number of arrests and prosecutions for these offenses.

While the move towards decriminalization is promising, it is not without challenges. Opposition from certain segments of the community and law enforcement, as well as the need for continued advocacy and education, remain key hurdles. However, the momentum for change is strong, and the potential benefits for both the community and the cannabis industry are significant.

 

Bastrop’s potential decriminalization of low-level marijuana offenses represents a win for cannabis reform and a step towards more progressive cannabis policies in Texas. This move not only reflects the community’s evolving attitudes towards marijuana but also sets the stage for broader changes that could benefit the cannabis industry statewide.

 

As Bastrop and other Texas cities continue to navigate the complexities of cannabis regulation, the support and engagement of the cannabis community will be crucial. By staying informed and involved, industry stakeholders can help shape a more favorable future for cannabis in Texas.

High Stakes and Hurdles: Navigating the Challenges and Charting Solutions in the Thriving Hemp Market of Today

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Hemp.

Since Hemp was first legalized in 2019 Texas, it has been thriving as a hub for the prosperous hemp industry. The cannabis industry has grown dramatically in recent years in response to expanding legalization. Texas has had its share of leaps and bounds over the past few years as the Lone Star State embraces the potential of hemp cultivation.

There have been many challenges (and solutions) faced by those trying to maneuver the hemp market that either propel or discourage them from moving forward. Some of those hurdles include having to navigate through the tangled web of complex rules and requirements, excessive fees, marketing censorship, and even regulatory compliance issues, just to name a few.

The hemp market is a dynamic industry influenced by factors ranging from global demand to bad weather conditions. Most farmers are faced with the uncertainty of the market that discourages them from moving forward, yet misconceptions about hemp still persist, leading to a lack of awareness and education.

AUSTIN,TEXAS, USA –

It’s important in any industry to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible to face regulatory changes that affect the community, farmers, advocacy groups, and businesses which can lead to a more streamlined approach to concerns. Submerse yourself in the who, what, when, and how of the industry to stay up to date with current rules and regulations that allow for the exploration of diversification strategies. Bridging the educational gap is crucial for dispelling industry myths and also helps to raise awareness of the diverse uses and benefits of hemp. This helps to build resilience in the face of a constantly changing market and helps overcome misconceptions that lead to the development of innovative solutions. Advocates must engage themselves in community outreach programs, workshops, and even public events to better inform consumers and policymakers about the uses of hemp and its benefits.  If these events are not readily available in your community, you can consider hosting your own Hemp 101 forum or workshop and start from there. You can also inform advocates about the latest technology trends that optimize farming operations and help match researchers with industry players to help form collaborations to support the continued growth and improvement of the industry.

As growth occurs, challenges arise, and coming up with new and innovative ideas will be vital for continued growth. When industry partners work together, bonds are reinforced and growth occurs.  Texas continues to shape its identity in the hemp industry and implementing innovative solutions essential to sustaining its growth for years to come. By working together, staying well informed, and adapting to the evolving landscape, Texas can become a world leader in a thriving hemp market.