Texas Hemp Industry Faces Crisis as Small Businesses Urge Veto of SB 3

Urgent Call to Action: Texas Hemp Industry in Peril

In a bold move to protect the thriving hemp-derived cannabinoid industry, Sunmed™ | Your CBD Store® alongside local small business owners is urging Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3 (SB 3). This bill, if enacted, would severely restrict the availability of hemp-derived cannabinoid products across Texas, endangering thousands of small businesses and their employees.

The repercussions of SB 3 are dire. Over 7,500 licensed retailers across Texas depend on the sale of hemp-derived wellness products to sustain their livelihoods. Ralph Paul, the owner of a Sunmed store in Keller, Texas, expressed his deep concerns: "If SB 3 is signed into law, I'll have no choice but to shut down my businesses. This isn't just about product bans, it's about laying off employees, defaulting on leases, and losing everything we've built. We operate legally under the Texas Hemp Program. We don't deserve to be collateral damage in a political agenda."

Retailers across the state are now preparing for the worst, fearing job losses and business closures. Gary Brandt, who runs a Sunmed store in Lakeway, Texas, remarked, "I've invested my savings, hired local staff, and served customers who depend on our wellness products. This bill doesn't just hurt businesses; it devastates families, communities, and the state’s fiscal health. We are urging Governor Abbott to veto SB 3 and stand with small businesses."

The economic impact of the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry in Texas cannot be understated. According to a report by Whitney Economics, the sector supports 53,300 jobs, contributes $2.1 billion in wages, generates $5.5 billion in revenue, and adds $267 million in retail sales tax. The total economic impact is estimated at between $10 billion to $10.5 billion. This thriving industry benefits not only the storefronts but also extends to rural farming, supply chains, and manufacturing.

However, if SB 3 becomes law, it will render over 8,500 licenses—covering retail, wholesale, and manufacturing—obsolete. This will have a ripple effect throughout the state, with communities that rely on these businesses suffering the most.

While Sunmed | Your CBD Store supports responsible regulation and consumer safety, they argue that SB 3 opts for prohibition rather than regulation, threatening an industry that operates within a purposeful legal framework.

Call to Action

Consumers and business owners across Texas are joining hands to oppose SB 3. They are encouraging fellow citizens to contact Governor Abbott and demand that he veto this harmful legislation. Texans can reach out to the governor's office directly by calling (512) 463-2000 or filling out the contact form on the state’s website. Additional petitions are circulating, including the Texas Hemp Business Council Petition and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable Petition, further bolstering this movement.

Sunmed is committed to standing by small businesses and the Texas communities they support. Their mission is to protect consumer access to safe and effective hemp products and ensure the survival of local entrepreneurs who provide them.

About Sunmed™ | Your CBD Store®

Sunmed | Your CBD Store is the largest hemp retailer in the United States and is affiliated with Sunflora, Inc. The brand boasts over 260 locations across 39 states, offering a premium in-store customer experience with access to more than 150 non-pharmaceutical wellness formulas. The brands’ portfolio includes clinically proven sleep gummies, pain relief topicals, USDA-organic oil tinctures, and CBD products for pets. Knowledge-driven and community-focused, Sunmed strives to empower modern wellness with natural, science-backed products. More information can be found at getsunmed.com.