Texas Governor Blocks THC Ban, Calls for Smarter Rules to Protect Industry and Consumers
In a pivotal decision on June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill that would have imposed a statewide THC ban, signaling a significant shift toward regulation over prohibition. Rather than eliminating hemp-derived THC products, Abbott is calling on lawmakers to develop smarter, science-based rules that protect both consumers and the state’s booming hemp industry.
The move keeps legal THC-infused edibles, drinks, and vapes available in Texas, despite its historically strict stance on marijuana, and sets the stage for a special legislative session to craft new, balanced regulations.
What the Texas THC Ban Would Have Done
Senate Bill 3, spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, aimed to criminalize the production, sale, or possession of all hemp products containing any level of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. If enacted, it would have been among the harshest THC bans in the United State, threatening to shut down a multi-billion-dollar market and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in Texas.
Supporters of the bill argued that THC products pose risks to minors and public health. However, the legislation faced backlash from veterans, small business owners, health advocates, and even members of Abbott’s own party.
Why Governor Abbott Rejected the THC Ban
Governor Greg Abbott ultimately sided with public opinion, which overwhelmingly favored keeping THC products legal with better oversight. Polls showed 70% of Texas voters support regulated access to hemp-derived THC. Even among Republicans, 59% opposed an outright ban.
Abbott emphasized that a blanket THC ban would have unintended consequences, eliminating access to natural relief for veterans and patients, and sending consumers to unregulated or illegal sources. Organizations like the Texas VFW warned that the bill would harm those who rely on THC for pain and PTSD management.
The veto preserves an industry that supports approximately 53,000 Texas jobs, contributing significantly to the state’s economy while calling attention to the need for enforceable safety standards.
What's Next for THC Regulation in Texas?
Instead of a THC ban, Governor Abbott has announced a special legislative session starting July 21, focused on drafting clear, enforceable rules for the hemp industry. These could include product testing, retail licensing, age restrictions, and clearer THC limits, all aimed at protecting public health without stifling business innovation.
Currently, Texas permits hemp products that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, which caps THC levels at 0.3%. However, rapid market growth has created legal gray areas and inconsistent oversight. With Abbott’s veto, lawmakers now face the challenge of closing those gaps without criminalizing an entire sector.
Why This Matters
This decision marks a turning point in Texas cannabis policy. Governor Abbott’s veto signals growing recognition that prohibition doesn’t always work, especially when it threatens livelihoods and pushes products underground. Instead, Texas appears poised to join a national shift toward regulated THC markets that prioritize safety, freedom, and economic opportunity.
