The Texas Regulation of Cannabis Act seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework for the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products in Texas. It establishes a new commission responsible for overseeing and enforcing cannabis-related laws, with a study to be conducted by various state departments due by December 1, 2026. The bill introduces definitions for key terms related to cannabis and outlines legal protections for individuals engaging in authorized activities. Adults aged 21 and older would be allowed to use, possess, and transport limited amounts of cannabis, cultivate a small number of plants for personal use, and transfer cannabis under specific conditions. The act also includes provisions for licensing cannabis establishments and secure transporters, while prohibiting activities such as driving under the influence of cannabis.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Occupations Code and Tax Code to incorporate new definitions and regulations regarding cannabis. It specifies that employees of cannabis establishments can be held criminally responsible for offenses related to cannabis sales, which are classified as Class A misdemeanors. The bill imposes a 10% sales tax on cannabis products, with proceeds allocated to regulatory and support accounts. It also provides a pathway for the expunction of records related to certain decriminalized offenses, allowing individuals arrested for specific offenses prior to December 1, 2025, to have their records expunged if the conduct would be legal under the new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to regulate the cannabis industry in Texas while ensuring compliance with age restrictions and facilitating the expunction of records for decriminalized offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 122.103, Government Code 411.091, Health and Safety Code 443.202, Health and Safety Code 443.2025, Health and Safety Code 481.062, Health and Safety Code 481.111, Occupations Code 551.004, Tax Code 151.313, Tax Code 494.0001, Tax Code 151.316 (Tax Code 151, Tax Code 494, Occupations Code 551, Government Code 411, Agriculture Code 122, Health and Safety Code 481, Health and Safety Code 443)