Texas veterans vow to protect the state’s hemp market as one state lawmaker hopes to crack down

Texas veterans are working to protect the state’s hemp market — and push to expand the state’s medical marijuana program — at the state Capitol during this year’s legislative session.

The veterans and their supporters say they need access to the hemp product known as delta-8 to treat issues such as chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Delta-8 is widely available throughout Texas and, like marijuana, can create a feeling of euphoria.

“So many veterans are using these products and reporting good results,” said Dave Bass, an Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom who is diagnosed with PTSD. He’s also a longtime advocate in the legislative push for accessible, affordable THC products.

Most states, including Texas, legalized hemp production following federal changes in 2018 that removed the plant from the list of illegal controlled substances. The hemp plant has a lower amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, than the marijuana plant. THC is the chemical that produces the drug’s “high.”

Delta-8 is different from the more common commercial hemp product ​​cannabidiol, or CBD, which is found in a variety of products including lotions, gummies and even treats for pets. While CBD can create a mild comfortable feeling, it will not produce the same sort of high as delta-8.

[Read more at Texas Tribune]