Texas crime labs are sounding the alarm as lawmakers debate whether to ban or regulate THC products. Officials say they lack the staff and funds to handle testing under any new rules.
At a recent House Public Health Committee hearing, Peter Stout, CEO of the Houston Forensic Science Center, explained that crime labs need clear guidance and money to do their jobs. “Just tell me what I need to test, and then give me the resources,” he said. Without that, he worries the system could collapse after years of struggle.
The hearing focused on House Bill 5, which would ban all products with any detectable cannabinoids except for CBD and CBG—both non-intoxicating parts of cannabis. If passed, this bill would outlaw most hemp products currently legal at the federal level. The bill’s author, Rep. Gary VanDeaver, highlighted concerns over artificial and synthetic cannabinoids, some of which are sold in candy and other kid-friendly forms.
Meanwhile, the Senate has proposed a similar ban, though some lawmakers want tighter rules instead of a full prohibition. The House Speaker’s office said the debate is ongoing, and no final position has been set.
Crime lab leaders cautioned lawmakers about the heavy workload new THC laws could create. Alice Amilhat from the Texas Department of Public Safety said it’s unclear how many cases would come in or how much testing law enforcement might ask for. While testing would be simpler under a ban—checking only for presence of THC—the labs expect the volume of cases to rise.
If THC products remain legal but regulated, labs would face tougher and costlier tests to measure allowable THC levels. That scenario could be even harder to handle, given their current struggles.
Texas has 266 licensed drug chemists, but labs are already overwhelmed by cases involving deadly drugs like fentanyl. Stout said he has to put fentanyl first because he simply doesn’t have the resources to keep up with everything else. He noted that funding per case is far below what’s needed nationwide, and the workforce is too small.
With backups of hundreds or even thousands of cases, crime labs must choose what to prioritize. Stout raised concerns about balancing THC testing with more urgent work like sexual assault kits and homicide evidence. “We can’t afford to do them all,” he said.
Lab officials say they need more time and money to handle any changes in THC laws. But gaining additional funding and staff won’t be easy.
For now, Texas’ crime labs remain caught in the middle of this heated debate, urging lawmakers to consider their limited capabilities as they decide the state’s path forward on THC products.