AUSTIN, Texas — Tensions are rising at the Texas Capitol after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, a measure that would have banned consumable hemp products containing THC. Instead of signing the bill into law, Abbott is calling lawmakers back for a special legislative session to create a regulatory framework for the popular substance.
Had the bill been approved, it could have severely impacted businesses in the Texas hemp industry. For now, the veto allows those businesses to continue operating, at least temporarily, while state leaders debate the future of THC regulation.
Abbott: Ban would trigger legal challenges
In a public statement, Abbott explained his decision to veto SB 3, citing potential constitutional issues. He said the bill’s outright ban on THC products would likely not withstand “valid constitutional challenges” and could “put federal and state law on a collision course.” He pointed to the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products at the national level, as a key legal obstacle.
Proposed regulation framework
Rather than an outright ban, Abbott is pushing for a more structured regulatory approach. He wants lawmakers to adopt rules similar to how alcohol is regulated in Texas. His proposal includes:
Special session begins July 21
Abbott has set July 21 as the start date for a special legislative session to address this issue. Lawmakers are expected to take up the matter and attempt to find a path forward that balances industry concerns, legal requirements, and public safety.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount from both sides of the political aisle.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a vocal supporter of Senate Bill 3, voiced his frustration with the veto on social media.
In a post on X, Patrick wrote, “His late night veto on an issue supported by 105 of 108 Republicans in the legislature, strongly backed by law enforcement, many in the medical and education communities, and the families who have seen their loved ones’ lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs, leaves them feeling abandoned. I feel especially bad for those who testified and poured their hearts out on their tragic losses.”
He also announced plans to hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. in Austin to address the issue further.
Texas hemp industry reacts
The Texas Hemp Business Council released the following statement on Abbott’s veto:
“Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of SB 3 reinforces Texas’ reputation as a leader in business innovation and practical policymaking. By choosing balance over overreach, Governor Abbott protected a vibrant, federally legal hemp industry that employs 53,000 Texans and generates over $4.3 billion in annual sales.
“SB 3 would have banned widely used, federally legal hemp-derived products, pushing consumers toward unsafe alternatives and threatening public health and choice. Governor Abbott’s veto protects the hundreds of thousands of farmers, veterans, small businesses and adult consumers across Texas who rely on hemp for wellness and their livelihoods.
“Texas already has strong hemp regulations under HB 1325, such as strict rules on THC limits, full panel testing, licensing, labeling and accessible certificates of analysis. We continue to advocate for sensible additions, such as limiting sales to those 21 and older, requiring child-resistant packaging, and establishing setbacks from schools, all of which were rejected by proponents of SB 3 in both the 88th and 89th Legislatures.
“Polling consistently shows that Texans do not support a ban on hemp-derived products. We commend Governor Abbott for his leadership and for listening to the more than 150,000 petition signers and thousands more who shared their stories through handwritten letters. We remain committed to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to support a safe, well-regulated hemp industry, not just for Texas, but as a model for the nation.”
