Texas Hemp Industries Association Says Hemp is ‘Critical Infrastructure’

The Texas Hemp Industries Association (TXHIA) is asking state leaders and legislators to deem hemp and hemp businesses ‘critical infrastructure.’

In a public statement, the TXHIA said, “Hemp products like hemp grain, hemp seed oil, protein powder, food, beverages, salves and tinctures can be purchased at grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies that are designated critical infrastructure. Shutting down hemp businesses will not reduce the need for the critical products many customers have grown to rely on to aid a multitude of different, human and animal, related health issues (epilepsy, MS, Parkinson, arthritis, pain, anxiety, sleep). Shutting down hemp businesses will increase the risk of greater infection for those that will be going to high traffic, overburdened, grocery stores to seeking these products. Our small business members know our customers and can quickly, effectively and safely provide customers with beneficial products by implementing social distancing protocols like other critically important businesses.

If a store focused on selling bananas and other foods and beverages, those business wouldn’t be shut down in this situation. We request that our business members be treated like all other critically designated grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies.”

The Texas Hemp Industries has more than 200 members in the state and has been a primary stakeholder participating in the creation of Texas HB 1325, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) and designated this crop as an agriculture commodity.