A sweeping bill to ban many consumable THC products cleared the Texas House on Wednesday night, marking a major step forward for one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities — but not without intense debate, a flurry of amendments, and sharp partisan divides.
Senate Bill 3, dubbed the “Banning THC in Texas” act, aims to drastically tighten restrictions on consumable hemp-derived products. If signed into law, the measure would outlaw the production, sale, and possession of products containing most cannabinoids — including popular variants like delta-8 and delta-9 THC — while carving out exceptions only for non-intoxicating compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG).
“This is about protecting children and stopping harmful substances from being widely accessible under the guise of legality,” Patrick said earlier this week, framing the issue as a public health crisis and pressing lawmakers to act before the session’s close. He has held press conferences, posted videos on social media, and made the bill a centerpiece of his agenda.
A Divisive Debate
While Republican leaders, including Patrick and key House members, strongly backed the bill, it faced fierce resistance from Democrats and some advocacy groups who called the measure an “overreach” that could harm patients, veterans, and small businesses.
“This bill is not just about regulation — it’s a ban,” said one Democratic lawmaker during floor debate. “And a ban with very real consequences for people who rely on these products.”
Despite delays in getting the bill to the House floor — it was pushed from Tuesday to late Wednesday evening — lawmakers took up a heavily revised version of SB 3. What began as an 18-page proposal ballooned into a 120-page bill after committee hearings and negotiations.
Key Provisions
The version passed by the House includes:
A ban on all consumable hemp products containing synthetic or converted cannabinoids.
A THC limit of less than 10 milligrams in non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages — as long as they are not marketed in a child-appealing way.
Prohibition on combining hemp products with alcohol, tobacco, kratom, kava, caffeine, or psychoactive mushrooms.
Restrictions on smokable hemp and delivery services.
A one-ounce daily purchase limit on natural hemp flower, which must also be grown in Texas and contain less than 0.3% THC.
A Surprise Amendment
Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress), a physician, introduced a surprise “floor substitute” amendment that hardened the bill’s language and sought to close what he called a “dangerous loophole” in Texas’ hemp laws. His proposal effectively outlawed many products outright — a move he said was necessary for public safety.
“As a doctor, I cannot support a system where people self-medicate with highly potent and unregulated substances,” Oliverson said on the floor. “These aren’t medicines — they’re intoxicants.”
Oliverson’s amendment passed 86–53, after he assured lawmakers that another bill expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) would remain intact, preserving access to low-dose medical THC for qualifying patients, including veterans.
Still, some lawmakers and advocates argued the amendment would restrict access for many Texans who rely on hemp-derived products for relief from chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions.
Legal Challenge Looms
No sooner had the bill passed the House — 95 in favor, 44 opposed — than industry groups promised a legal fight. Texas-based cannabis company Hometown Hero announced it was preparing to challenge the law in court, warning it could devastate a growing industry and push consumers toward unregulated markets.
The bill now returns to the Senate, where lawmakers can either approve the House version or seek a compromise through a conference committee. If finalized, SB 3 will head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.
With Patrick signaling support for expanding TCUP, and opponents vowing court action, the battle over THC in Texas appears far from over.
What's Next?
The Senate must approve the amended bill or enter negotiations with the House.
If passed into law, the new rules could take effect as early as later this year.
Legal challenges could delay or complicate enforcement.
.jpg)
