Texas Senate Advances THC Ban Despite Governor Veto

The Texas Senate is advancing Senate Bill 5, a near-total ban on consumable hemp-derived THC products, despite Gov. Greg Abbott's veto of a similar bill last month and his call for regulation rather than prohibition. The bill, authored by Sen. Charles Perry, would criminalize products containing any detectable amount of THC, including gummies, vapes, and smokable flowers, with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. Law enforcement officials testified in favor of the ban, citing difficulties in regulation and enforcement, while advocates warned it would hurt businesses and restrict access to products used by veterans and adults. Abbott has proposed regulating hemp products similarly to alcohol, including age restrictions and sales limitations, but many senators argue that regulation has failed and a ban is necessary. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate State Affairs Committee and now moves to the full Senate, signaling a potential legislative showdown between the Senate's push for a ban and the House's preference for regulation. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has also indicated support for key bills, including this one, during the special legislative session.