In May 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 3, a sweeping measure aiming to ban all consumable THC products—including popular hemp-derived items like Delta‑8, THCA, HHC, and even Delta‑9 under 0.3% THC houstonchronicle.com+14marijuanamoment.net+14texastribune.org+14.
🚨 Why Texans Panicked
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The bill would have criminalized THCA flower, edibles, vapes—turning previously legal hemp products into illegal items overnight .
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Critics warned it would devastate a booming $4–8 billion Texas hemp industry, put 50,000 jobs at risk, and force families using hemp-derived health aids to choose between illegal markets or limited medical programs .
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defended the bill as a public safety measure, arguing THC-infused products targeted youth and presented risks. However, many Texans—from veterans to parents—spoke out, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of THCA cannabissciencetech.com+15kvue.com+15cbsnews.com+15.
✅ Governor Abbott Vetoes SB 3 (Again)
With just before the June 22 deadline, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed SB 3, preventing a total ban and calling for a more balanced regulatory approach houstonchronicle.com+15texastribune.org+15chron.com+15. His official reasoning:
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The bill likely violated the U.S. Farm Bill and would be preempted by federal law .
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It risked a constitutional takings claim, retroactively turning legal hemp businesses into criminals ivn.us+12texaspolicyresearch.com+12gov.texas.gov+12.
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Abbott likened the THCA market to alcohol, advocating for strict regulation, testing, age limits, and enforcement — not outright prohibition texaspolicyresearch.com+3houstonchronicle.com+3expressnews.com+3.
He also called for a special legislative session starting July 21, 2025, to create a comprehensive regulatory framework cannabissciencetech.com+8texastribune.org+8texastribune.org+8.
🌟 Why This Matters for You
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Legal protection continues—for now. THCA products remain legal under both federal and Texas law, despite SB 3’s attempts.
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Regulatory clarity is coming. Expect future rules around age verification, testing, packaging, and distribution—similar to the alcohol model.
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Stay ahead of the curve. Updates from the special session will be crucial for business compliance, marketing, and operations.
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