Texas bans all THC in hemp products to curb consumption

In Texas, on May 21, 2025, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 3, a significant legislation that enacts a total ban on all hemp-derived products containing any level of THC. This bill marks a drastic reversal from earlier years when the Texas legislature supported the legalization of consumable hemp products in light of the 2018 Farm Bill. Advocates of the ban argue that unregulated THC products have proliferated into the market, attracting the attention of minors and leading to potential safety risks. The supporters of the bill, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, have raised concerns about the attraction of these products to children, claiming that their marketing and location near schools pose serious threats. Republican state Rep. Tom Oliverson highlighted that the original objective of promoting Texas agriculture has been compromised by what he describes as a cottage industry of unregulated THC sellers. Critics of the ban have voiced serious concerns regarding the implications for small businesses, job loss, and potential growth of an illicit market for THC products. The bill specifies that those caught possessing these products could face substantial penalties, including jail time. After its passage in the House, the bill will return to the Senate for reconciliation with the version originally passed to ensure consistency before it may advance to the governor's desk for signing. This legislation is expected to have lasting repercussions on the hemp industry in Texas, which accounts for thousands of jobs and billions in retail sales, contrasting sharply with the national trend towards marijuana legalization and reform in cannabis policies.