· By J Heart Online
What's going on with the THC ban in Texas?
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which aimed to ban all consumable hemp products containing THC, including delta-8 and delta-9, effectively targeting the state’s $5.5–$8 billion hemp industry. The bill passed the Senate in March with a 24-7 vote and the House in May with a 95-44 vote, driven by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who argued that unregulated THC products posed health risks, particularly to minors, and were being marketed to children. The legislation proposed criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges for possession and felony charges for manufacturing or selling THC products, with exceptions for the state’s limited medical marijuana program, which allows low-THC prescriptions for specific conditions.
On June 22, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed SB 3, citing constitutional concerns and potential conflicts with the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Abbott argued the ban would face legal challenges, as seen in Arkansas, where a similar law was blocked in court. He also called a special legislative session starting July 21, 2025, to focus on regulating rather than banning THC products. Proposed regulations include age restrictions (21+), child-resistant packaging, potency limits, clear labeling, and enforcement by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The veto preserved the hemp industry, which supports around 50,000 jobs and generates significant tax revenue, but it sparked backlash from Patrick, who accused Abbott of abandoning families and law enforcement. Industry leaders, veterans, and some lawmakers support regulation over a ban, citing THC’s benefits for conditions like PTSD and chronic pain, and warning that a ban could fuel an unregulated black market. Meanwhile, critics of the industry, including some medical professionals and law enforcement, highlight risks like cannabis-induced psychosis and lack of oversight.
As of July 3, 2025, no new THC ban has been enacted, and the upcoming special session will determine the future regulatory framework. The hemp industry remains legal, with products like CBD and CBG still available, but the debate continues between those pushing for strict regulation and those advocating for maintaining access to THC products.