In Texas, the future of the cannabis market hangs in the balance as lawmakers contemplate a statewide ban on THC products. Last month, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which would prohibit the sale and possession of all THC items, including popular products like gummies, beverages, and vapes. The decision now rests with Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who has yet to announce whether he will sign or veto the bill.
Zar Wellness, a veteran-owned cannabis shop located in The Colony, is actively campaigning against this ban. Co-owner Razia Qureshi-Shalami has publicly urged the governor to reject SB 3, stating, “Veto SB3. It’s the right thing to do.” She believes that instead of a blanket ban, the state should focus on enforcing existing regulations to ensure market safety.
Qureshi-Shalami and her husband, Asad Shalami, founded Zar Wellness in 2019 with a mission to support veterans through cannabis. They provide a 22% discount to veterans year-round, recognizing the alarming statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide each day. Razia shared that her husband lost four friends from the Army to suicide, highlighting the importance of their work.
While the shop primarily serves veterans, they report that approximately two-thirds of their customers do not have military backgrounds. “Many individuals feel that their medicine is at risk,” Razia noted, emphasizing the critical role THC can play in alleviating PTSD, chronic pain, and mood disorders.
Razia expressed concern that the enactment of SB 3 could devastate a growing industry in Texas. “In a split second, something can be signed that wipes out this booming sector,” she warned. Zar Wellness employs certified cannabis consultants who educate customers about different cannabis strains and their effects, ensuring consumers understand what they are using.
SB 3 aims to prevent minors from accessing THC products and curtails marketing strategies that might appeal to children. While Qureshi-Shalami agrees with the need for protective measures, she argues that a complete ban is not the solution. “Let’s come together and discuss regulations that can be enforced. There are already established guidelines that just need to be applied,” she asserted. Zar Wellness has consistently implemented age restrictions for psychoactive products, maintaining a policy that only those 21 and older can purchase them.
As uncertainty looms over THC legislation in Texas, the cannabis community continues to voice its concerns and advocate for reasonable regulations that balance safety with access to beneficial products.
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