Greg Abbott’s Shocking Veto of Hemp Prohibition Bill

Governor Greg Abbott recently vetoed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a Texas bill that aimed to ban most consumable hemp products containing any amount of THC. This eleventh-hour decision, made just before the bill would have become law, was a significant win for the state’s booming hemp industry, which faced potential decimation.

Abbott cited concerns that SB 3 would face “valid constitutional challenges” due to conflicts with federal law, which legalized hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC in 2018. He argued the bill would criminalize what Congress has permitted and could lead to lengthy legal battles. Instead of an outright ban, Abbott called for a special legislative session starting July 21 to establish a regulatory framework similar to alcohol, including age restrictions, product testing, and local control over sales.

The veto drew sharp criticism from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a staunch proponent of the ban, who accused Abbott of effectively legalizing recreational marijuana in Texas. However, the move was applauded by hemp businesses, veterans, and medical patients who rely on these products for various conditions, highlighting the economic impact and perceived health benefits of the industry. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between prohibition and regulation in the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape.