As the 89th legislative session nears its end, Texas lawmakers are rushing to pass bills regulating THC products before Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has championed two key bills: one banning consumable THC products and another expanding access to medical-grade cannabis for individuals with chronic pain.
Patrick aims to curb what he sees as a generation of substance abuse, saying “This is to save an entire generation of being hooked on drugs.” Senate Bill 3, authored by Charles Perry, would ban all consumable THC products, including gummies and vapes. However, non-psychoactive cannabis derivatives like CBD or CBG would remain available in child-resistant packaging.
Critics argue that individuals using medical-grade cannabis can alleviate chronic pain. House Bill 46 would expand the Compassionate Use Program to include those with chronic pain. Katharine Neill Harris, a drug policy fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute, expects an increase in access to higher-quality products for individuals outside of the existing program.
As Texas lawmakers work to finalize their bills, Governor Abbott’s approval will be crucial in determining the state’s approach to THC regulation.
Source: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/05/29/522505/texas-leaders-defend-thc-ban-at-press-conference-featuring-thc-laced-snacks