A San Antonio state representative filed a bill Tuesday that would legalize hemp products in Texas.
State Rep. Roland Gutierrez said operating hemp, a member of the cannabis family, on a commercial scale is a “big win” for Texas farmers because the crop requires less water and resources to grow.
Hemp is similar to marijuana, but has lower levels of THC.
“Legalizing hemp in Texas is about giving our farmers the opportunity to grow and distribute a durable, natural fiber that can be incorporated into thousands of products,” Gutierrez said. “We want to move Texas in the right direction in terms of agricultural commerce, and legalizing hemp is the first step.”
House Bill 1657 would allow Texas to use resources and personnel to produce and distribute hemp products in the state. Texas farmers are restricted by the federal government from growing hemp year round. 40 other states have passed similar legislation, solidifying hemp as a legitimate commodity, Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez serves Texas House District 119, including San Antonio and adjacent sections of Bexar County.