ODESSA, Texas — During the pandemic, Anthony Leslie of Midland was struck by COVID-19 three times. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with COPD. He had recently lost access to affordable healthcare, so he turned to hemp products the state of Texas legalized back in 2019.
His experience with hemp led him to open his own cannabis store called Suite 420 in the Permian Basin. But after three years of "steady business," Leslie has put a pause on purchasing some of his most popular products.
In May, the Senate Committee on State Affairs held a hearing where some of the witnesses called tighter regulations on hemp following allegations of some of these products being marketed towards children. The topic also touched on banning Delta 8 and 9.
"I could be packing everything up in a few months and leaving town, or I could be hiring somebody," said Leslie. "I really don't know. But I'm trying to make this work because I believe I am here for the right reasons."
As of May, there are nearly 7,000 hemp dispensaries across the state; a number that has boomed since some lawmakers authorized the sale of consumable hemp in Texas.
"85% of my customers come in because they need help," said Leslie. "It's not because they're throwing a big party on the weekend, it's because they want to function normal, they want relief."
Leslie agrees, the industry requires more regulation.
"I've been in this town my whole life, Midland and Odessa. I can tell you; we've always had access. It's always been here. Marijuana is here now. It's always been here. We need to make money off of this. The state needs to make money off of it, it's coming from somewhere so we might as well regulate it properly."
The Senate Committee on State Affairs plans to meet at one more time to consider the topic and possibly work to develop plans for new legislation.