Texas Legislature Passes Statewide Hemp-Derived THC Ban Awaiting Governor Approval

Texas lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 3 (SB3), a sweeping bill banning the manufacture, sale, and possession of hemp-derived intoxicating THC products, including popular compounds like delta-8 and THCA, which now awaits Governor Greg Abbott's signature. The legislation aims to curb access to intoxicating hemp products, citing concerns about regulation and protecting children, while expanding the state's medical marijuana program to include chronic pain, terminal illness, and hospice care. However, the ban threatens Texas' $8 to $10 billion hemp industry, which supports up to 53,000 jobs, and has drawn criticism from industry groups and local business owners who warn it will devastate the local economy and eliminate tax revenue. The bill imposes stricter regulations on non-intoxicating hemp products like CBD and CBG and increases penalties for possession of banned products. Despite opposition across the political spectrum and from hemp growers, the measure reflects ongoing tensions between public health concerns and economic interests in Texas' rapidly growing hemp sector. Texas joins several other states that have recently restricted intoxicating hemp derivatives.