The governor’s first called special session concluded his morning and he immediately called the legislature back for a second 30-day special session. Governor Greg Abbott’s proclamation includes two cannabis-related items:
- Protect Children from THC – Legislation making it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to individuals under 21 years of age. Note: Some versions of the proclamation mistakenly said 18+. This was confirmed to be a clerical error. The correct age is 21+.
- Regulate Hemp-Derived Products – Legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting synthetically modified compounds, and establishing enforcement mechanisms — all without banning lawful hemp-derived products.
Hearing Recap & Next Steps
Just minutes after beginning the second special session, the Senate State Affairs Committee held a hearing on Sen. Charles Perry’s SB 6 — a bill identical to SB 5 as passed by the Senate in the first special session. To move this quickly, the Senate suspended their own rules to circumvent public notice requirements, disenfranchising many Texans who would have testified in opposition to SB 6.
After very little testimony and a quick hearing, the committee voted 9-0 to advance the bill. SB 6 now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
The Texas House did not have quorum again today and could not do any business. Democrats are expected to return when the House reconvenes on Monday. If quorum is reached, the House could move just as quickly as the Senate to pass priority legislation — including this sweeping THC ban.
Take Action
Texans overwhelmingly support keeping hemp-derived THC products legal with strong regulations to protect public health and prevent youth access. Lawmakers need to hear that prohibition is not the answer.
📢 Contact your legislators today and urge them to vote NO on SB 6
Our Position
Advocates for sensible cannabis policy should urge lawmakers to reject any THC ban and instead use the Governor’s framework to pass a bill that:
- Restricts youth access (21+)
- Prohibits unsafe synthetic cannabinoids
- Implements robust testing and labeling standards
- Allows responsible adult use of consumable hemp products
We’ll keep you updated as SB 6 moves through the Legislature.