Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed a measure that aimed at banning all consumable THC products in the state. The move keeps the growing market of THC gummies, vape cartridges, and similar goods open for business. Abbott issued the veto just before the deadline, preventing what would have been one of the strictest THC bans nationwide.
Abbott called on lawmakers to craft tighter regulations for THC products rather than imposing an outright ban. The bill, Senate Bill 3, would have made it a criminal offense to produce, sell, or possess any THC consumables.
The bill followed ongoing efforts in various states to crack down on THC, particularly after the 2018 Farm Bill gave states the power to regulate hemp. Hemp, though non-intoxicating in its natural form, can be synthetically altered to produce THC.
Abbott had not publicly weighed in on the matter while the bill was moving through the legislature, leaving many uncertain about his stance. He explained that the bill likely wouldn’t survive a constitutional test and would clash with existing state and federal laws. He added that pursuing a law destined to be struck down would only delay real solutions to concerns about public safety tied to THC products.
The veto sparked immediate backlash, especially from Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick, who had championed the legislation. Patrick had made the THC ban a top priority and had even threatened to push for a special legislative session if it didn’t pass. In a strongly worded statement on social media, Patrick expressed disappointment, citing overwhelming support among Republican lawmakers, law enforcement, educators, and families affected by substance abuse.
Instead of a ban, Abbott is encouraging lawmakers to treat THC products like alcohol—enforcing age restrictions and limiting marketing aimed at minors. Patrick, meanwhile, has planned a press event in Austin to further address the matter.
The legal gray areas in current laws have allowed a thriving THC market to develop, even in states where cannabis remains illegal. Texas has some of the toughest anti-cannabis laws in the U.S., banning recreational use entirely and offering only limited medical access. The hemp industry, however, has created a way for Texans to legally obtain products that offer similar effects to cannabis.
Republican legislators have voiced concerns over the safety of these products, especially given the lack of consistent federal guidelines on manufacturing practices. While Texas has pursued one of the more aggressive approaches to curbing THC sales, other states like California have focused instead on age restrictions and potency limits.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a similar measure last year, stating that it would negatively affect small businesses.
Opponents of the Texas legislation argue that the products provide vital relief for individuals unable to qualify for the state’s narrow medical cannabis program. Business owners across the state also stress that the sector supports thousands of jobs and generates significant revenue.
The marijuana industry, including major brands like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), hopes that more U.S. jurisdictions that still implement prohibitionist policies against cannabis rethink their stance and create legal markets for the substance so that jobs, state revenue and general livelihoods can be boosted by the legal marijuana business ecosystem.
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