On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, which would have imposed a stringent ban on all THC consumable products, such as vapes and gummies, according to CNN. This decision preserved Texas’s thriving hemp industry, valued at over $4 billion annually and employing thousands.
The bill, if passed, would have criminalized the possession, production, or sale of THC products as a misdemeanor, marking it as one of the nation’s toughest restrictions. The proposed ban stemmed from efforts to regulate THC following the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with low THC levels.
Texas, with its strict anti-marijuana laws, allows only a limited medical marijuana program, making hemp-derived THC products a legal alternative for residents seeking similar effects. Critics of the bill, including veterans and hemp farmers, argued it provided relief for those unable to access medical marijuana, while also supporting 53,000 jobs and significant tax revenue.
Supporters, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, claimed THC products posed risks due to minimal federal oversight, potentially endangering youth. Abbott, facing pressure from both sides, cited constitutional concerns and called for a special session on July 21 to craft regulations instead. This veto echoes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 decision to reject THC restrictions to protect small businesses.
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