GOP Gov. Strikes Down Potential Statewide Ban on THC

In a last-minute move that stunned many in his own party, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a controversial bill that aimed to outlaw consumable THC products including gummies and vape cartridges. Knewz.com has learned that the legislation, Senate Bill 3, would have effectively dismantled the state’s booming $8 billion hemp industry, putting more than 55,000 jobs at risk. According to reports, Governor Abbott called the ban unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers into a special session in late July.

Governor Abbott’s Criticism of the Statewide Ban on THC

Governor Abbott’s veto statement pulled no punches in criticizing the legal soundness of Senate Bill 3. He warned that the measure would have sparked extended courtroom battles, stalling any immediate protections or oversight. He argued that the bill’s language criminalized not only retailers but also individuals who legally rely on hemp-derived THC for medicinal use or income. Abbott objected to the bill’s vague definitions and its potential to retroactively penalize lawful business owners. “We can do better. … Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take effect without delay,” he stated, adding that litigation over the ban would have likely delayed any functional regulations for years.

‘Protecting the Lives of Children and the Liberty of Adults’

Gov. Abbott has repeatedly clarified his stance regarding consumable THC products with multiple news outlets recently. According to reports, the GOP governor is calling on the legislature to ban all cannabinoid hemp products for those younger than 21 years of age, ban consumable products containing synthetic cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, and regulate a hemp industry for adults to ensure that products intended for human consumption don’t exceed 0.3% THC or 3 milligrams of THC. He said in a recent statement, “Let me be clear: I stand in favor of doing all we can to protect the lives of our children while also protecting the liberty of adults. … With regard to adults … we do want the THC level to be below 0.3% or … 3 milligrams of THC; it’s called nonintoxicating levels of hemp that would be marketed.”

Political Repercussions of the GOP Governor’s Veto

According to reports, Abbott’s veto set off a political firestorm within Texas’ Republican ranks. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a key supporter of the bill, expressed open frustration with Abbott’s decision, accusing him of remaining silent during the bill’s development and then rejecting it without notice. “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,” Patrick said.

Texas’ THC Market Dangerously Underregulated

While rejecting the ban, Abbott acknowledged Texas’ current THC market is alarmingly under-regulated. Unlike in many other states, there are no laws governing the sale, labeling, public use or testing of consumable hemp products. This regulatory vacuum has left law enforcement confused and consumers unprotected. In his veto message, Abbott proposed building a framework similar to the state’s alcohol regulation system. He further explained, “The only way we’re going to be able to do this is through tough enforcement. … The money for enforcement would come from all the market participants, and we would create an enforcement structure like what we have in the alcohol system that would ensure that the [Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission] would be involved in the process.”

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