Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has issued a statement criticizing Governor Greg Abbott’s recent executive order on THC, saying it creates the impression that the state has endorsed the existing THC market.
Patrick stated that his dispute with the governor is not personal but centered on policy. He noted that while he and Abbott have worked together on many issues, they remain far apart on THC regulation.
According to Patrick, the order has been widely interpreted by the hemp and THC industry as a green light from the state. He pointed to public statements from business groups celebrating the decision as a major victory, arguing it legitimizes products that remain dangerous and often mislabeled.
“These are the same companies that have been marketing to minors and opening shops near schools,” Patrick said. He added that many of the products on the shelves are still illegal and, in some cases, carry ingredients not disclosed to buyers.
He warned that the governor’s action could pave the way for recreational cannabis use, despite Abbott’s repeated claims that legalization is not on the table. He emphasized that the Legislature has never voted to approve recreational cannabis. Instead, he said businesses have exploited loopholes in hemp laws to flood the market with high-potency products, now available in thousands of stores across Texas.
The lieutenant governor noted that Senate Bill 3, passed earlier in the year, would have banned such products outright, but the measure was vetoed. He said only a full ban can protect children since age limits on alcohol and tobacco have not prevented underage use. He also cited undercover police footage from Dallas showing smoke shop employees cautioning customers that overdosing on certain THC products could be deadly.
Patrick explained that during a special session, state leaders tried but failed to reach an agreement on safe limits for THC potency, serving size, and retail sales. Without clarity on those points, he said, lawmakers could not support moving forward.
He further argued that the governor’s order leaves major gaps. It does not stop the sale of synthetic variants such as Delta-8 or Delta-10, nor does it restrict the sale of potent Delta-9 products. He also faulted the order for allowing stores to remain near schools and for leaving enforcement responsibilities to already stretched law enforcement agencies.
Patrick further rejected claims in the order that states cannot ban THC under federal law. He pointed to multiple federal court rulings confirming states’ authority to impose bans and added that Congress is currently considering a nationwide prohibition on consumable THC.
The lieutenant governor closed his statement by reaffirming his support for the state’s Compassionate Use Program, which allows doctors to prescribe THC for medical purposes, as well as for legal CBG and CBD products. But he warned against what he sees as a path toward broader legalization. “We do not want to follow Colorado’s example,” he said, adding that he remains open to further discussions with the governor.
The debates surrounding the way to regulate hemp-sourced THC products in different jurisdictions will be closely watched by marijuana companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) as it could have diverse implications for the legal marijuana industry.
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