Texas Senate Approves Broad Hemp THC Criminalization Amid Statewide Voter Support

Texas lawmakers are moving to impose strict bans on most consumable hemp products containing any detectable THC, criminalizing possession with penalties including jail time and fines, while allowing only CBD and CBG cannabinoids. This legislative push contradicts strong public support for regulated hemp sales in Texas, as a recent poll showed 79% of likely voters favor commonsense safety regulations rather than outright bans, a stance endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott who vetoed a similar bill and called for regulation instead. At the federal level, efforts to redefine hemp to exclude intoxicating THC products faced setbacks due to opposition from senators including Rand Paul, leading to the removal of ban language from a key spending bill, though similar proposals persist in the House. Tennessee is preparing for regulatory changes in 2026, transferring oversight of hemp-derived cannabinoid products from its Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, allowing existing licenses to remain valid during the transition. The ongoing debate reflects tensions between lawmakers’ attempts to restrict THC in hemp products and widespread public and industry support for regulated access, highlighting broader challenges in balancing safety, legality, and market growth in hemp-derived cannabinoid products.