Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 (SB3) on Sunday, 22 June 2025, halting—at least temporarily—what would have been a sweeping ban on hemp-derived THC products. The decision came just before the veto deadline and followed weeks of political tension.
Abbott's Last-Minute Veto Offers Temporary Relief to Hemp Industry
The proposed legislation aimed to outlaw hemp and THC products across the state. Although Abbott had remained silent on the matter since the bill's introduction, he ultimately rejected it despite mounting pressure from both sides of the political aisle.
'Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take effect without delay,' Abbott said in a statement published by the Texas Tribune.
He argued that the bill's attempt to enact a full THC ban could spark legal conflict with federal laws. Hemp-derived products were legalised under the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, and SB3's provisions could be challenged in court.
'Allowing Senate Bill 3 to become law—knowing that it faces a lengthy battle that will render it dead on arrival in court—would hinder rather than help us solve the public safety issues this bill seeks to contain,' Abbott added.
While acknowledging that the state's hemp market is currently under-regulated and poses risks to children, the governor maintained that an ineffective law tied up in litigation would do little to improve public safety.
Governor Suggests Alternative THC Regulations
Governor Abbott did not stop at a veto. He proposed a set of less extreme measures to regulate the THC market without inviting federal-state legal clashes. His recommendations include:
- Making it a criminal offence to sell THC products to minors.
- Banning sales near schools, parks, churches, and other child-focused areas.
- Prohibiting marketing and packaging designed to appeal to children.
- Requiring child-resistant packaging.
- Mandating permits for THC stores and restricting access to those over 21.
Despite Abbott's suggestions, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick strongly criticised the veto.
'Governor Abbott's decision abandons those whose lives have been destroyed by these dangerous drugs,' Patrick said. 'I feel especially bad for those who testified and poured their hearts out over their tragic losses.'
What's Next for Texas THC Legislation?
Although SB3 is off the table for now, the debate over how to regulate THC in Texas is far from over. Abbott's call for targeted legislation could signal a shift toward more enforceable, narrowly focused regulations.
With increasing national attention on THC regulation and hemp legality, Texas remains at a crossroads—one that will shape the future of cannabis-related products in the Lone Star State
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the Senate Bill (SB3) on Sunday 22 June 2025. If it wasn't rejected, it would become a law that bans hemp and other THC products. Unfortunately, the state governor rejected the bill. Here's why he didn't approve it.
Greg Abbott Vetoes Texas SB3
Greg Abbott's decision to veto Texas SB3 is a relief for the Texas hemp industry—in the meantime. Ever since Senate Bill 3 was introduced, the Texan governor has remained silent about it. But, just before the veto deadline, he decided to reject the bill despite the immense political pressure from both sides.
'Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take effect without delay,' said Abbott via Texas Tribune.
He added that since the bill aims to completely ban THC products, it could trigger a serious conflict between the federal and state laws. This is because hemp products are legalised by the 2018 federal Farm Bill.
Abbott added: 'Allowing Senate Bill 3 to become law — knowing that it faces a lengthy battle that will render it dead on arrival in court — would hinder rather than help us solve the public safety issues this bill seeks to contain.'
He admitted that the current hemp market is dangerous for children since it is under-regulated. However, he argued that even if SB3 is swiftly enjoined by a court, the young people of Texas won't be safer than if no law were implemented.
Greg Abbott's Suggestions
Greg Abbott didn't simply veto Senate Bill 3. He also suggested possible regulations that are less exhaustive to implement.
- Make selling to minors a punishable crime.
- THC products should be banned near schools, parks, playgrounds, churches, and other areas where there are children.
- Hemp and other THC products shouldn't be marketed, packaged, and made to attract children.
- THC packaging should be child-resistant.
- THC stores must have permits and prevent children under 21 years old from buying.
These are just some of the suggestions shared by Greg Abbott. But, despite the alternative regulations provided by the governor, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick still criticised him for vetoing the bill.
Patrick said that Abbott's decision abandoned those whose lives were destroyed because of these very dangerous drugs. He added: 'I feel especially bad for those who testified and poured their hearts out on their tragic losses.'
