Texas Hemp Regulation Update 2025: Governor Abbott’s Veto and the New Path Forward

Texas’s hemp and THC product regulation took a sudden and significant turn on Sunday. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, a bill that would have banned consumable hemp products containing any THC, including delta-8 and delta-9. Shortly after, he called a special legislative session for July 21, urging lawmakers instead to enact a strict regulatory framework for these substances.

This last-minute veto preserves the Texas hemp industry for now, while setting the stage for a contentious battle between Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Patrick, a long-time cannabis opponent, had made the THC ban one of his top priorities and threatened to call a special session if it failed.

The Veto and Special Session: A Shift From Ban to Regulation

Abbott remained publicly silent throughout the regular session but faced mounting political pressure from both sides of the aisle. Conservative activists who usually align with Patrick urged Abbott to veto the ban. Abbott responded with a clear message: banning consumable THC products outright would trigger constitutional challenges and clash with federal law.

The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, complicating any total ban on THC-containing hemp products. Abbott noted that passing SB 3, knowing it would face legal battles, would only delay real solutions. He emphasized the need for a regulatory system that protects public safety, aligns with federal standards, and has fully funded enforcement.

The governor’s approach mirrors alcohol regulation: banning sales and marketing to minors, requiring comprehensive product testing, allowing local governments to prohibit THC sales within their borders, and boosting law enforcement resources.

Political Clash: Abbott vs. Patrick

Patrick expressed outrage over the veto, calling it a “late-night” abandonment of law enforcement and families harmed by high-potency THC products. He reiterated his belief that THC-infused products are a “poison” and lamented Abbott’s silence during the session.

Patrick’s campaign against consumable THC included visiting cannabis stores and releasing investigative videos highlighting unsafe practices. His stance has drawn bipartisan support in the past, but Abbott’s veto signals a push for a more measured, regulatory approach.

This public disagreement places Texas’s top leaders on opposing sides ahead of upcoming elections, making the special session a critical political battleground.

The Rise of THC-Containing Hemp Products in Texas

The controversy traces back to 2019 legislation designed to boost Texas agriculture by legalizing consumable hemp. That law capped delta-9 THC content but did not clearly define limits for other cannabinoids. This loophole allowed the market to explode with products containing delta-8 THC, vapes, gummies, drinks, and flower buds infused with psychoactive compounds.

Today, over 8,000 retailers sell these products statewide, supporting approximately 50,000 jobs and generating an estimated $8 billion in tax revenue annually. Despite the economic impact, safety concerns persist, particularly around unregulated access by minors and the presence of synthetic cannabinoids.

Veterans and Texans managing chronic pain have supported regulated access, highlighting how hemp products have helped them reduce opioid use.

The Industry and Advocates Push Back

Industry groups and advocacy organizations applauded Abbott’s veto. The Texas Hemp Business Council hailed the governor for showing leadership and listening to the vo’ voices. They argue that a ban would have crippled an industry that contributes significant jobs and revenue.

Advocates call for a sensible regulatory framework that balances public safety with economic growth and consumer choice.

Medical Marijuana Expansion as a Counterbalance

During the session, lawmakers expanded the state’s medical marijuana program. The changes include more qualifying conditions, increased dispensaries, and relaxed regulations to reduce operational costs. These reforms provide additional legal access but fall short of meeting broader consumer demand for recreational THC products.

Looking Ahead: The July Special Session

Governor Abbott’s call for a special session on July 21 signals that THC regulation remains an urgent priority. Lawmakers will face pressure to deliver a regulatory structure that addresses safety without banning the market outright.

Success will require bipartisan cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and realistic policy balancing Texas’s unique political and economic landscape.

Conclusion

Texas’s hemp and THC product regulation is at a crossroads. Governor Abbott’s veto of a sweeping ban and push for regulation shifts the debate from prohibition to governance.

This change preserves the economic engine of the hemp industry while demanding accountability and safety through legislation. The upcoming special session will be decisive for Texas’s cannabis future.

Stakeholders, businesses, consumers, and policymakers must prepare for a complex, high-stakes legislative process that will define Texas hemp and THC regulation for years to come.