In a late-night decision that’s sending shockwaves through Austin, Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed a bill that would’ve banned all THC-infused products across Texas. The move keeps a booming hemp industry alive—for now—and sets the stage for lawmakers to come back next month to figure out how to regulate, not erase, these products.
Abbott’s veto of Senate Bill 3, a sweeping measure pushed hard by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, came just before the bill was set to become law. The proposal would’ve outlawed every THC product—edibles, drinks, vapes, oils—regardless of whether they were legal under federal rules. But Abbott said the bill went too far.
“We Need Rules, Not Bans”
In a statement, Abbott made it clear: he’s not thrilled with the status quo, but an outright ban isn’t the solution either. Instead, he’s calling for new rules that treat hemp-based THC products like alcohol—things like age restrictions, child-proof packaging, and potency limits.
“We can’t pretend these products don’t exist,” one senior aide said Thursday. “The governor wants to make sure they’re sold safely—not pushed into the black market.”
What This Bill Would’ve Done
The vetoed bill would’ve made it illegal to sell or possess any consumable product with THC in it, even those that are technically legal under the 2018 federal Farm Bill. That includes delta-8 and delta-9 products that come from hemp. Some users rely on them to manage pain, anxiety, or sleep. Retailers say banning them would’ve wiped out thousands of jobs and forced shops to shut their doors overnight.
“This would’ve been a death sentence for hundreds of small businesses,” said one Austin-based hemp retailer. “I’m relieved, but also nervous—what happens in July?”
Lt. Governor Not Happy
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn’t hold back. He called Abbott’s veto “a huge mistake,” arguing it opens the door to unregulated, recreational marijuana use in Texas—a state that’s historically taken a tough stance on cannabis.
“This is not about safe use. It’s about stopping an industry that’s selling drugs with no oversight,” Patrick said. “We’ll revisit this in the special session.”
What’s Coming Next
Abbott has scheduled a special session for July 21, giving lawmakers 30 days to come up with a new plan. He wants a system that keeps dangerous or misleading products out of kids’ hands, but doesn’t destroy an industry that’s grown rapidly in recent years.
Here’s what that plan could include:
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You must be 21 or older to buy.
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No marketing near schools or on kid-friendly platforms.
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Products must pass quality and safety testing.
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Clear dosage limits and proper labeling.
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Enforcement handled by an agency like the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
A Booming Business in the Crosshairs
Texas’s hemp-derived THC industry isn’t small. It supports more than 50,000 jobs and brings in billions in revenue each year. That includes farmers, distributors, lab testers, store owners, and health-focused startups.
“It’s not just gummies on a gas station shelf,” said a Dallas-based hemp advocate. “It’s veterans, cancer patients, people with anxiety. This is helping real Texans.”
Why This Matters Beyond Texas
Texas is a major player—and how it handles THC regulation could influence other conservative states grappling with similar questions. As Washington D.C. weighs national rules on hemp products, all eyes will be on how Texas threads the needle between safety and access.
So, Where Does This Leave Things?
In short: THC-infused hemp products are still legal in Texas—for now. But change is coming. The July special session will likely bring new laws, and depending on how negotiations go, it could either protect the market or squeeze it with red tape.
The next month will be crucial for business owners, lawmakers, and everyday users alike. Because while the ban is off the table today, the debate over how Texas handles THC is just heating up.
