What happened?

On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a proposed law that would have banned all consumable hemp products containing THC. Instead, Abbott called for a special legislative session to create a regulatory framework that protects public safety while complying with federal law.

Overview:

Background:

• SB 3 aimed to prohibit the sale, manufacturing, and possession of hemp-derived products with any amount of THC, including popular cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9. It would have limited legal hemp products to only CBD and CBG, imposed strict licensing and testing requirements, and introduced new criminal penalties.

• The bill also included packaging rules, age restrictions, and a product registration system.

The Veto:

• Governor Abbott vetoed the bill due to serious legal concerns, arguing that SB 3 conflicted with the 2018 federal Farm Bill, risked unconstitutional property takings, and would likely be blocked in court—leaving Texas without any enforceable protections.

• Instead of a ban, Abbott proposed a regulatory approach modeled after alcohol laws, recommending age limits, child-safe packaging, testing requirements, local control, and enforcement funding.

• He emphasized the need for a law that is both effective and legally sound, warning that a court-blocked ban would leave minors and communities unprotected.

Additional Information:

• A special session is scheduled for July 21, 2025, to develop a new, enforceable hemp regulation strategy.

Source References

• Texas SB 3 – Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty (Vetoed)
  
• Texas Governor’s Veto

This communication is intended solely for the purpose of conveying information. The present post might incorporate hyperlinks directing readers to websites managed by third-party entities. The inclusion of any links within this communication is meant to serve as points of reference and could encompass opinion articles from various law firms, articles from HR associations, official websites, news releases, and documents of government agencies, and other relevant third-party sources. Vensure has no authority over these external websites and bears no responsibility for their content. Furthermore, Vensure does not endorse the materials present on these websites. The contents of this communication should not be interpreted as legal advice or as a legal standpoint concerning specific facts or scenarios. Nor should it be deemed an exhaustive compilation of facts potentially pertinent to federal, state, or local laws. It is strongly advised that employers solicit legal guidance from an employment attorney when undertaking actions in response to any legal updates provided. This is due to the possibility of future alterations occurring in federal, state, and local laws, regulations, as well as the directives and guidelines issued by governing agencies. These changes may transpire at any given time, potentially rendering certain portions of the content within this update void or inaccurate.