Parent group urges Pearland to curb intoxicating hemp products, citing family case of cannabis-induced psychosis

Christine Scruggs of Pearland told the City Council Monday about her son's experience with daily cannabis use and a diagnosis of cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, and she urged local action to limit availability and educate the public.

Scruggs identified herself as representing Parent Action Network and said she visited retail locations in Pearland to document products. She described a case in March 2023 when her son's roommate reported concerning behavior; the next day she traveled three hours and later used an out-of-state involuntary-treatment process to get him into care. "He was diagnosed with cannabis induced psychotic disorder," she said, and his therapists told the family he was "lucky not to have converted to a long term schizoaffective diagnosis."

Scruggs asked Pearland to consider local measures similar to Highland Park, Illinois, which she said passed an ordinance banning intoxicating hemp products. She also urged a public-education campaign and coordination with the school district to reach parents and students. "These products are psycho active, addictive, and causing devastating mental and physical effects to thousands," she said.

In remarks, Scruggs attributed the problem to higher potency products and to a federal "2018 farm bill" loophole and to Texas laws she characterized as expanding hemp availability; she said federal and state legislative fixes are underway but not guaranteed, and asked the city to act locally if necessary. She said advocates in Washington, D.C., had discussed the issue with staff for three Texas members of Congress, including "Troy Nells" as recorded in the meeting materials.

No council action was taken during citizen comments; the meeting's presiding officer and staff said they would follow up with the speakers later.