Texas Governor Greg Abbott may soon face a backlash for considering signing a bill that would prohibit the sale of products containing THC, the chemical compound found in cannabis. The proposed Senate Bill 3, backed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, would essentially ban recreational marijuana and decimate the state’s thriving hemp industry.
The legislation has sparked widespread opposition, with hundreds of citizens showing up to testify against it. Even conservative talk radio hosts have spoken out against S.B. 3. The bill would not only impact local businesses but also reduce billions in sales-tax revenue for the state.
Proponents claim that the bill aims to address concerns about untested cannabinoids and prevent exposure to THC, particularly among children. However, academic experts argue that this approach is unnecessary and could fuel a black market with more THC.
Lieutenant Governor Patrick has been pushing for stricter regulations on hemp products, despite opposition from some in his own party. He has claimed that the 2018 farm bill and subsequent Hemp Farming Act have created an illicit market for hemp products, but experts say this narrative is unfounded.
Governor Abbott has yet to signal whether he will sign the bill into law, leaving many hoping it will not be passed.
Source: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/05/texas-republicans-greg-abbott-thc-ban-hemp-cannabis.html