Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes SB 3, cites proposed state THC ban conflicting with federal law
Senate Bill 3, authored by Lubbock Republican Sen. Charles Perry, was set to severely restrict the $8 billion hemp industry in Texas.
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Perry, along with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, on their media press tour around Texas earlier in the month, defended the proposed law, saying it would have closed a loophole in state law that allowed "bad actors" to make synthetic cannabis that is "more powerful and more potent than anything we've ever seen before."
In a statement on social media, Patrick criticised Abbott's decision to veto SB 3.
"Throughout the legislative session, (Gov. Abbott) remained totally silent on Senate Bill 3, the bill that would have banned dangerous THC products in Texas," Patrick stated. "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."
Patrick further stated he would hold a press conference to discuss the bill's failure, but it must be noted that this statement was issued before Abbott announced a special session for lawmakers to address SB 3.
Document: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Veto Proclamation on SB 3
Abbott also released a four-page proclamation as to why he vetoed the bill, stating that the bill was "well-intentioned" but "would never go into effect because of valid constitutional challenges."
Abbott further cited a similar bill in 2023 in Arkansas, which was challenged in the courts and has been left in limbo on whether it can be enforced or not.
"If I were to allow Senate Bill 3 to become law, its enforcement would be enjoined for years, leaving existing abuses unaddressed. Texas cannot afford to wait," read Abbott's proclamation.
Abbott, a former Texas Supreme Court justice and attorney general, said it would create a showdown between federal and state law with legal ramifications for farmers and pharmacists.
The governor also said SB 3 could also take private property unconstitutionally — even if the bill is aimed at so-called "bad actors" exploiting a loophole.
"But there are also many Texans conducting business responsibly, who invested millions of dollars planting fields or opening up retail stores in reliance on laws making hemp a lawful product," read Abbott's justification. "While States may restrict the use of dangerous contraband, it is a different thing entirely to change the rules in the middle of the game."
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But the reality of the issue does not go unnoticed by the governor, who gave lawmakers the task of creating a law that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a "fully funded enforcement structure," and can go into effect without delay.
"Passing a law is not the same thing as actually solving a problem," read Abbott's message. "Texas needs a bill that is enforceable and will make our communities safer today, rather than years from now."
After the governor's veto, hemp industry leaders released statements praising the governor for his decision but also warning that the issues at hand still need to be addressed more meaningfully.
"We respect Governor Abbott's decision and understand his concerns about unintended consequences. That said, the rapid proliferation of high‑potency hemp products in Texas has highlighted a regulatory gap that simply can't be ignored. I hope this signals a renewed commitment to crafting thoughtful legislation that effectively addresses public health and youth protection, without undermining safety," said Jason Vedadi, CEO of Story Cannabis.
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"While the bill's failure to move forward keeps the status quo in place, it should not be mistaken for a long-term solution. There is growing concern around unregulated psychoactive hemp products being marketed without proper safeguards or age restrictions. Lawmakers will need to revisit this issue soon to ensure Texas has a cannabis framework that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and public health. Consumers deserve better than loophole-driven policies," said Sara Gullickson, CEO of Cannabis Business Advisors.
"We applaud Governor Abbott's decision regarding Senate Bill 3, which recognizes that sensible regulation is superior to outright prohibition. This outcome preserves thousands of Texas jobs and billions in economic activity while maintaining the state's ability to implement appropriate safeguards. The hemp industry has consistently supported responsible regulation, including strict age verification, product testing, and transparent labeling," said Reid Stewart, CEO of Frozen Fields.
As stated above by the governor, lawmakers will be able to address the shortcomings — rather the overreach of SB 3 in a special session in July.
The special session is set to convene in Austin on July 21, 2025 and will last 30 days.
Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Gov. Abbott calls special session to address proposed THC ban
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