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Decriminalize, Regulate & Tax THC

THC Tax and Public Safety

Texas currently applies only its regular sales tax to THC sales. That is not a serious public policy framework for a product that requires oversight, quality standards, consumer protections, and accountability. If Texas is going to allow THC products in the marketplace, then Texas should regulate and tax them in a way that protects the public and serves the public good.

I support a 15% excise tax on recreational THC products in Texas, modeled on proven cannabis tax systems used in other states. This tax should apply to non-medical THC sales and should exist in addition to ordinary retail rules that ensure products are sold lawfully, labeled clearly, and tested properly.

My Priorities for THC Policy in Texas

Texas should adopt a THC tax structure that is simple, enforceable, and tied directly to public benefits. Revenue should not disappear into general spending without purpose. The law should dedicate proceeds by set percentages to the following priorities:

- Regulation and administration: licensing, inspections, enforcement, lab standards, and compliance

- Product quality testing and consumer safety: verifying potency, screening for contaminants, and preventing unsafe products from reaching consumers

- Public school fine arts: supporting music, theater, visual arts, and other enrichment opportunities for Texas students

- Mental health services: expanding access to treatment, crisis care, and community-based support

- Veterans’ services: helping Texas veterans access care, housing support, and recovery services

- Mandatory local government revenue sharing: ensuring cities and counties dealing with enforcement, zoning, infrastructure, and public health impacts receive a direct share

Protecting Medical Patients

Medical use should be treated differently from recreational use. Texans who use THC for legitimate medical reasons should not be punished with extra taxes on their care.

I support exempting medical THC purchases from both the THC excise tax and sales tax, provided the patient presents a valid state-issued medical THC card. Patients should not pay higher costs because they are managing pain, PTSD, epilepsy, cancer symptoms, or other serious conditions under state law.

Why Texas Needs a Better Approach

Right now, Texas has an inconsistent and weak framework for THC policy. A simple sales-tax-only approach does not generate dedicated funding for oversight, testing, or public health. It also fails to ensure that communities affected by THC retail activity receive support.

A better approach would:

- Improve consumer safety

- Fund independent testing and enforcement

- Support schools and mental health

- Honor veterans with dedicated investment

- Require local revenue sharing

- Protect medical patients from added tax burdens

What I Support

I support legislation in Texas that would:

1. Create a 15% excise tax on recreational THC

2. Require clear labeling, product testing, and enforcement standards

3. Dedicate revenue by statute to regulation, public school fine arts, mental health, veterans’ services, and local governments

4. Require mandatory revenue sharing with cities and counties

5. Exempt medical THC purchased with a valid state-issued card from both excise tax and sales tax

Bottom Line

Texas should stop pretending ordinary sales tax is enough. If THC products are sold, they should be subject to a serious regulatory and tax framework that protects consumers, funds public priorities, supports local communities, and keeps medical access affordable for patients who need it.