Governor Abbott Rejects Hemp Ban, Calls for Special Session to Regulate Industry
In a major victory for hemp advocates, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 on June 22, rejecting the Legislature’s attempt to ban hemp-derived THC products in Texas. Instead, he called for a special session to craft a regulatory framework that ensures consumer protection without eliminating access to legal products.
“Texas can and should reasonably regulate consumable hemp products to protect public health and safety without eliminating consumer access altogether,” Abbott wrote in his official veto statement.
With the special session set to begin July 21, advocates now face a critical window to help shape the next phase of cannabis policy in Texas. The outcome will determine the future of the state’s multibillion-dollar hemp industry.
Special sessions in Texas operate under unique rules. Only the governor can call one, and only the issues listed in his proclamation may be considered. Sessions can last up to 30 days, but there is no minimum length, and legislation can move rapidly through both chambers. To become law, a bill must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the governor. Here’s FAQ on special sessions in Texas.
The governor’s veto proclamation outlines key provisions he wants included in a regulation bill. These include clear labeling and packaging standards, limits on THC content and product formulations, sales restrictions to prevent access by minors, and enforceable rules for product testing, business registration, and oversight. These goals are not new — they closely reflect the version of SB 3 that was originally rewritten and passed by the House State Affairs Committee earlier this year under Chairman Ken King’s leadership.
The committee substitute version of SB 3 took an imperfect, but thoughtful approach, banning synthetic products, setting rules for marketing and labeling, establishing age restrictions, and creating clear enforcement mechanisms. It was ultimately stripped and replaced by a full ban just before House passage — a move now rejected by the governor. A detailed analysis of the committee’s proposal and policy recommendations for the upcoming session can be found here.
With the governor’s veto and the special session on the horizon, lawmakers have another chance to get it right — and advocates have another chance to be heard. Several of the governor’s preferred provisions are already drafted, giving lawmakers a good starting point.
How You Can Take Action
Special sessions move quickly, and your voice matters now more than ever. Here’s how to get involved:
- Contact Lawmakers - Call, email, or visit your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulation over prohibition and want them to back a bill that reflects the governor’s call. Click here to send a quick email.
- Visit the Capitol - Show up in Austin to meet with legislative staff in person. Bring personal stories, data, or business info to help them understand the real-world impact of their decisions. (Don’t wait for the hearing.)
- Testify at Hearings - When the hemp regulation bill has a hearing, share written or oral testimony with the committee. Expect very little advance notice. Prepare your testimony now with a focus on your personal story or professional experience. Try not to read your testimony or repeat other witnesses.
- Spread the Word - Share updates, action alerts, and advocacy resources. Mobilize your friends, family, and customers to do the same.
Governor Abbott’s veto was more than a policy decision — it was a signal to the Legislature and the public that Texas can strike a balance between consumer protection and economic freedom. What happens next will depend on how well advocates mobilize in the coming days. The message is clear: banning is not the answer. Regulation is.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. And help keep hemp legal.