An Open Letter to Texas State Rep Alan Schoolcraft:

Subject: Vote NO on Senate Bill 3 – Protect Veterans and Texas Jobs

Dear Representative Schoolcraft,

My name is Kenneth Hammes, a resident of Guadalupe County, Texas, and a proud military veteran. I urge you to vote NO on Senate Bill 3 (SB 3).

As a veteran, I (and many others) rely on legal, hemp-derived THC products to manage service-related conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These products have been instrumental in improving my quality of life, offering a safe and affordable alternative to the often addictive pharmaceutical options provided by the VA.

SB 3 threatens to eliminate access to these beneficial products, forcing veterans like me to either resort to less effective treatments or incur significant additional costs. The Texas Compassionate Use Program, while a step in the right direction, remains limited in scope and accessibility, serving only about 10,000 patients due to strict eligibility criteria and high costs.

Beyond the personal impact, SB 3 poses a significant threat to our state's hemp industry, which generates $5.5 billion in annual sales, contributes $268 million in tax revenue, and supports over 53,000 jobs. Enacting this bill could result in the loss of approximately 40,201 jobs and a $7.5 billion reduction in economic activity.

It's concerning that SB 3 appears to favor a select few licensed dispensaries, effectively pushing out small businesses that have operated responsibly under current laws. This move not only undermines free-market principles but also suggests a shift towards crony capitalism, where legislation benefits a privileged minority at the expense of the broader community.

I urge you to stand with Texas veterans, small businesses, and the principles of fair competition by voting NO on SB 3. Let's work together to find balanced regulations that ensure product safety without compromising access or economic vitality.

Thank you for your service to our state.

Respectfully,

KWHammes

#CannabisForVets #StopSB3 #VeteransDeserveBetter #TexasHemp #VoteNoOnSB3