Howdy is one of the non-alcoholic seltzer brands from Bayou City Hemp.

A selection of THCa hemp flowers are shown at the Cobo Dispensary on Buck Street in Houston.

THCa created by Havana Hemp on display during a trade show in Florida.

The Drojito (THC mojito), Jungle Penguin (non-alcoholic version of the tropical/tiki-inspired Jungle Bird), “Sure, Why Not?” non-alcoholic cocktail with NA gin, vanilla syrup, orange, lime, cucumber-basil juice and Saint Arnold ginger beer.

Hundreds of people signed up to testify Monday at the Texas Legislature on the future of cannabis, with many backing a proposed law that would only allow THC in drinks and tie the industry forever to the liquor industry.

Texas law grants alcohol distributors enormous market power, and small breweries and distillers have long complained about their predatory behavior. However, some in the hemp industry believe only a deal with the devil will save them from a total ban on the products that generate 90% of their profits.

Lawmakers are debating two cannabis bills this year, both of which will curtail the hemp industry. The only difference between hemp and marijuana is the concentration of THC, the ingredient that makes you high. Marijuana is illegal in Texas, but hemp companies have found ways to create products that make you high, angering conservatives.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

JOIN ME FOR A LIVE, VIRTUAL EVENT: Will marijuana ever be........

© Houston Chronicle