With less than 48 hours left, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing mounting pressure to either sign or veto Senate Bill 3 (SB 3)—a sweeping and controversial piece of legislation that would drastically change the legal landscape for hemp-derived THC products in Texas.
If Abbott takes no action by midnight on June 22, the bill will automatically become law without his signature.
What’s in SB 3?
At its core, SB 3 seeks to ban the sale, manufacturing, and possession of consumable hemp products containing any cannabinoid other than cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG)—two non-psychoactive compounds found in hemp. This means popular items like gummies, vapes, and beverages containing delta-8 or delta-10 THC, often marketed as federally legal alternatives to marijuana, would effectively disappear from Texas shelves.
The bill also proposes tighter regulations on CBD and CBG sales, including:
A minimum purchase age of 21,
Labeling requirements to discourage marketing to minors (e.g., banning bright colors and cartoon images),
A 1,000-foot buffer between retailers and schools.
Why Now?
Supporters of SB 3, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and bill author Sen. Charles Perry, have framed the legislation as a matter of public health and safety. Patrick has repeatedly called it a “life and death issue,” citing concerns over children accessing psychoactive hemp products.
“These products are often mislabeled,” Patrick said at a recent press conference. “No one knows what’s in them. This bill is about protecting Texans, especially our kids.”
Perry echoed that sentiment, saying, “This is out of control. Profit over people is never an excuse to ignore the people.”
SB 3 was identified as a top priority by Patrick for the 89th legislative session and, despite bipartisan resistance, advanced through a politically charged and heavily amended process. Debates over inhalable forms, dosage limits, and other regulatory details were eventually stripped from the final version, leaving a narrowly focused—yet impactful—bill.
Industry Pushback
Opponents, including business owners, farmers, and medical advocates, argue that SB 3 threatens a booming and largely self-regulated industry. Since Texas legalized hemp production in 2019, following the federal 2018 Farm Bill, the sector has grown rapidly.
A recent report by Whitney Economics estimates that retail hemp sales topped $4.3 billion nationwide in 2025, with over 53,000 Texans employed in the broader hemp economy.
“We’ve seen a triumph of politics over policy,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Hemp Business Council during a June press event. “This bill could shutter small businesses, put thousands out of work, and push consumers back to illicit markets.”
Advocates have delivered petitions, held rallies, and launched public campaigns to encourage Abbott to veto the bill.
Culture War or Consumer Safety?
The debate over SB 3 encapsulates a broader national conversation around cannabis-adjacent products that fall into legal gray areas. Unlike marijuana, which remains illegal in Texas, hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC have gained popularity for offering similar effects—without the same legal restrictions.
Supporters of SB 3 claim these products are designed to “target young people and hide their use from parents and schools,” linking their availability to spikes in behavioral health issues, homelessness, and crime.
“This isn’t reefer madness,” said one SB 3 backer. “This is reefer science.”
But opponents counter that adults should retain the right to choose what hemp products they use, and that current voluntary age restrictions and labeling practices are working.
“There is no evidence that prohibition will make Texas safer,” argued one Dallas-based hemp retailer. “Only more confused.”
Abbott’s Silence
So far, Gov. Abbott has not signaled how he’ll act. Earlier this month, he told reporters that SB 3 was “one of literally more than 1,000 bills on my desk” and promised each would receive “the consideration time that they deserve.”
But with the clock ticking, that window is closing fast.
What Happens Next?
If Abbott signs SB 3 or lets it pass without his signature, the ban on hemp-derived THC products could go into effect as soon as September, though implementation timelines will depend on additional rulemaking by state agencies.
If he vetoes the bill, it would be a major political rebuke to Patrick and a reprieve for the hemp industry—at least for now.
