The Latest on the Texas Hemp Ban

Texas residents who rely on the hemp industry for their work or medicine have been on a rollercoaster lately. In March of this year, republican senators brought forward Senate Bill 3, a widely criticized measure that would effectively ban all hemp products in the state. The bill then passed in the Senate and House, only to be vetoed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in June. 

Despite its wide unpopularity, internet speculation seemed to point to the bill reaching the finish line after achieving Senate and House approval. Patient advocates expressed deep concern, as did veterans (who lobbied for Abbott to veto the bill), and industry players who knew they would lose their livelihoods should the bill become law. 

But on June 22, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott surprised many people by vetoing the bill. So, how did we get here, and what does this all mean for Texas residents?

Senate Bill 3 Timeline 

A lot has happened with the controversial hemp bill since it first made headlines earlier this year. Here’s a quick breakdown of the progression:

• 2019: House Bill 1325 passed, providing a pathway for a regulated hemp industry. Effective immediately, the law permits the cultivation of hemp plants with no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in dry weight. 

• 2021: The production of delta-8 THC proliferated across the state. Produced through a legal loophole, synthetic delta-8 products are intoxicating and sold as an alternative to regular cannabis. 

• • • Attempts to ban delta-8 failed, allowing producers and stores to continue operations. 
    • Pressure to ban or regulate delta-8 products continued to grow across the state. 

• March 2025: Senate Bill 3 is introduced. 

• May 2025: The House grants approval on SB3, in line with the Senate 

• June 2025: Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoes the bill and calls for lawmakers to focus on regulating hemp. 

What Would Happen If SB3 Passed?

Had Greg Abbott not vetoed the bill, SB3 would have effectively ended the state’s hemp industry—not just the gray market synthetic cannabinoids like the popular delta-8. 

The bill aimed to eliminate most aspects of the existing hemp market, including manufacturing, delivery, and even possession. According to the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), this would eliminate more than 53,000 hemp-related jobs. And from speaking with patients and patient advocates, we know that it would also eliminate access to necessary medicine for vulnerable patients. 

Support for SB3 Was Low

Brought forth by an all-Republican group of senators and representatives, the bill remained unpopular among the general public. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick was one of the biggest proponents of the bill, often pointing out his safety concerns for children. 

“Dangerously, retailers exploited the agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public and made them easily accessible. These stores not only sold to adults, but they targeted Texas children and exposed them to dangerous levels of THC,” Patrick said in a statement. 

Allen police chief Steve Dye was also vocal about his support for the bill. Dye has a record of conducting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-assisted raids of those selling unlicensed, intoxicating cannabis products. The chief had previously referred to hemp products as a “plague.”

Despite support in the Senate and House, those opposing the legislation came out victorious in this fight. 

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READ: Will Texas Ban Hemp Products?

Opposition to SB3 Was High 

THBC published a press release in June highlighting republican opposition to SB3. The release stated the following:

• “More than two-thirds of Republican primary voters (72%) believe military veterans should be able to access THC products as an alternative to opioids.
• 53% of Republican primary voters believe a ban will create opportunities for drug cartels.
•  55% of Republican primary voters believe a ban will increase black market sales.”

They also released poll data showing that 47% of Texas republican primary voters opposed the hemp ban, while only 37% supported it. THBC noted that opposition to the ban was stronger among those with current or former active duty military members in the household. 

Reactions to Abbott’s Veto

A dismayed Lt. Governor Dan Patrick responded to the news of the veto with, “One can only come to this conclusion, which surprises me. The governor of the state of Texas wants to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas.” 

Senator Charles Schwertner agreed, saying the veto “was the wrong decision.” State Rep Tom Oliverson echoed the sentiments and said he was disappointed, but told reporters they’d work together in good faith to find a solution. 

Hemp-based business owners, such as J Heart CBD store manager Lizzie Taylor, shared their excitement about the news with reporters. “Last night, my coworker and I started screaming. We were so excited to have that happen that changed our lives because our trajectory wasn’t. We’re going to lose our jobs and have to go find another job,” said Lizzie Taylor, Store Manager, J Heart CBD Cedar Park.

The THBC, who vehemently opposed the legislation, celebrated by saying the veto proved that “truth, freedom, and the invoices of Texans still matter.”

Looking Ahead

Texans and those watching closely are not off the rollercoaster just yet. The veto may have been a major victory for the hemp industry in the state, but it comes with the understanding that there’s much more work to be done. Regulation is next on the table. 

In the statement addressing his last-minute veto, Abbott called for a special session to begin on July 21st. This will allow lawmakers to pass a bill to regulate the state’s hemp industry. The specifics have yet to be made public. 

We will have to wait and see exactly what lawmakers draw up in this special session. Our team will keep a close eye on upcoming legislation to keep readers informed.