Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) slammed Quorum Report over the weekend, accusing the news source of spreading misinformation about the Texas Senate’s efforts to ban THC.
“I don’t read the Quorum Report often,” the lt. governor shared on social media, “but when I do, the ‘stories’ are often totally made up with no basis in fact.” He took issue with their recent coverage, suggesting that a total THC ban was supported only by himself.
The lt. governor has been at odds with Governor Greg Abbott (R) after the governor vetoed a bill last month that would ban THC.
Lt. Governor Patrick noted overwhelming support for the ban from law enforcement and medical professionals. “Every law enforcement agency in the state supports a total ban on THC,” he commented.
Allen Police Chief Steve Dye, representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association, testified that none of the organization’s 1,700 members had ever mentioned opposing a THC ban. Sheriff Brian Hawthorne, president of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas and the Chambers County Sheriff, echoed that sentiment, testifying that “100% of their board supports a THC ban.”
Lt. Governor Patrick added that both the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society publicly supported the measure. He also referenced emotional testimony from parents who lost children to mental illness they attributed to the use of THC.
Senate Bill 5 institutes a total ban on THC products. It passed the State Affairs Committee by a 10-1 vote with only state Senator Judith Zaffirini (D) opposing it. During the regular session, a similar measure, Senate Bill 3, passed both chambers, with 105 of 108 House Republicans voting in favor.
Lt. Governor Patrick called the Quorum Report “clickbait peddlers” who publish “political fantasy,” urging readers to stop supporting the publication.
“They aren’t journalists,” he argued.
“It’s time for all supporters of this rag to stop funding their lies once and for all.”
