AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is at a crossroads as lawmakers, businesses, patients, and the public await Governor Greg Abbott’s decision on Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) — a sweeping measure that would outlaw all hemp-derived THC products across the state. The bill, passed by the Legislature this spring, has sparked intense debate over health risks, economic impact, and the future of cannabis regulation in Texas.
What’s in the Bill?
SB 3, authored by Sen. Charles Perry and strongly supported by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, would ban the production, sale, and possession of all hemp-derived THC products — including popular items like delta-8 and delta-9 gummies, beverages, vapes, and smokable flower. Non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG would remain legal.
If signed into law, the measure would impose stiff penalties: possession could result in up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine, while manufacturing or selling could lead to felony charges with up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The ban would take effect September 1, with retailers given until January 2026 to comply.
Why the Push Now?
Supporters of the bill argue that Texas’s rapidly growing hemp market — now valued at over $5 billion annually and employing more than 50,000 people — has outpaced regulation. Law enforcement agencies have reported finding products with THC levels far above legal limits, and Patrick has described the market as a threat to public health, especially for children.
“These unregulated products are poisoning our kids,” Patrick said in a statement. “Texas must act before more lives are harmed.”
Critics Warn of Economic Fallout
Industry leaders, small-business owners, and advocates warn that SB 3 would devastate a thriving sector that has become a lifeline for entrepreneurs, farmers, and veterans. Thousands of retailers could be forced to close, wiping out jobs and tax revenue.
Opponents argue that rather than banning products outright, Texas should adopt stricter regulations: limit sales to adults 21 and older, mandate child-resistant packaging, and require independent lab testing to ensure product safety.
“There’s a way to protect kids without destroying an industry that helps so many,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Hemp Coalition.
Patients and Veterans Voice Concerns
Many Texans who rely on hemp-derived THC for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain fear the ban would cut off affordable, accessible relief.
“This bill would hurt veterans like me who use these products to cope,” said John Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran from San Antonio. “Without them, we’re left with fewer options — or we’re forced into the black market.”
Public Opinion and Political Stakes
A recent poll of likely Republican primary voters shows the issue dividing Abbott’s base: 45% oppose the ban, 35% support it, and the rest remain undecided. Nearly two-thirds favor regulating THC rather than banning it, and over half believe prohibition would fuel black-market activity and benefit criminal cartels.
The decision places Abbott in a difficult spot, balancing public safety concerns, economic implications, and political pressure from his party’s leadership. He has until June 22 to either sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
What’s Next?
Advocacy groups, business owners, and patients have flooded the governor’s office with letters urging a veto. Meanwhile, supporters of the ban are pressing Abbott to act swiftly in the name of public health.
As the deadline approaches, Texans are watching closely — with the future of the state’s hemp industry, and thousands of jobs, hanging in the balance.