Texas Governor Vetoes THC Ban, Calls for Special Session on Regulation

Veto of Senate Bill 3

• ❌ Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed Senate Bill 3, which aimed to ban consumable hemp products containing THC statewide.
• 🏛️ The governor cited that the bill would not have survived constitutional challenges and would put federal and state law at odds, referencing the 2018 federal farm bill that legalized hemp products.

Proposed Regulatory Framework

• ⚖️ Abbott is calling for a special legislative session to address the regulation of THC products.
• 🍺 He suggests an approach similar to alcohol regulation, proposing to ban sales to minors and require testing throughout the production process.
• 📍 The proposal also includes allowing local governments to prohibit stores selling THC products and providing law enforcement with funds for enforcement.

Political Pushback

• 🗣️ The veto has drawn criticism, even from within Abbott's own party, notably from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
• 💔 Patrick expressed frustration, stating that the veto leaves supporters of the bill, including law enforcement and families affected by drug use, feeling abandoned.
• 📅 A special session on this measure is scheduled to begin on July 21st.

Business Reaction

• ✅ The Texas Hemp Business Council released a statement commending Governor Abbott's veto, calling it a reinforcement of Texas's reputation for business innovation and practical policymaking.
• ⏳ Businesses selling THC products can continue operating as usual for the time being.