This Week In Cannabis: DEA Slams Legal Weed, Texas Votes Hemp Ban, Argentina Tightens Medical Rules And More
From Texas’ escalating war on hemp to EU-certified inhalers and Argentina’s full-scale overhaul of its medical cannabis program, this week offered no shortage of headlines that could shape the future of the cannabis industry across borders and sectors.
Let’s dig in.
Policy & Legal
Texas House Passes Hemp Ban, Threatens 50,000 Jobs
In a late-night vote Wednesday, the Texas House passed SB 3, banning hemp-derived THC products across the state. Championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the measure criminalizes products containing any THC or THCA, despite opposition from 50% of voters, per a Texas Politics Project poll. The state’s hemp industry, supporting 53,000 jobs and $268 million in tax revenue, now braces for litigation. Advocates are urging a veto.
Meanwhile, HB 46, aimed at expanding Texas’ Compassionate Use Program, remains pending in the Senate. It proposes adding qualifying conditions like chronic pain, expanding licensing, and permitting more administration methods—but retains the 1% THC cap and bans flower.
DEA Report Criticizes Legal States, Admits Prohibition Fuels Illicit Trade
In its 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, the DEA accused cartels of exploiting state-legal cannabis programs. However, the report also acknowledged that demand for illicit cannabis is driven largely by prohibition states—ironically making the case for federal reform.
DEA nominee Terrance Cole, in confirmation hearings, refused to take a position on rescheduling cannabis but called review of the issue a “first priority.”
Read more on Marijuana Moment
Argentina Overhauls REPROCANN Framework
The Ministry of Health issued Resolution 1780/2025, …