The Texas Senate has once again passed a bill to ban products containing hemp-derived THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. That’s the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation. This time, the bill’s sponsor says he’s addressed the concerns that Governor Greg Abbott raised when he vetoed the original ban after the regular legislative session.
Under Senate Bill 5, of the Texas Special Session, products containing the compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) would still be legal, and the purchasing age would be raised to 21. Neither compound contains the psychoactive properties of THC. While SB 5 does not explicitly mention THCa, which is not psychoactive in its raw form, it converts to Delta 9 THC (the intoxicating cannabinoid) when heated, according to the Law Office of David D. White.
Texas State Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, sponsored SB 5. He says veterans who treat their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with THC should consider enrolling in the Texas Medical Marijuana program. “You go into one of these retail shops, they're not doing blood tests. They're not doing blood pressure. They're not asking you about all of your issues. So, I don't wanna mislead people.”
The state expanded the Texas Medical Marijuana program through the passage of House Bill 46 during the 2025 Texas Regular Legislative Session, which ended June 2. The legislation significantly expanded the list of qualifying conditions and allowed for more licensed medical marijuana dispensers.
Gov. Abbott officially vetoed the first THC ban bill, Senate Bill 3, on Sunday, June 22, just under three weeks after the regular session ended. Abbott explained that he supports regulation of THC, not an outright ban. “If I were to allow Senate Bill 3 to become law, its enforcement would be enjoined for years, leaving existing abuses unaddressed.” Abbott concluded, “Texas cannot afford to wait.” Instead, the governor called for a special session to resolve the THC issue, which has ultimately led to the Senate’s latest THC ban bill approval.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a leading supporter of a THC ban, wasted little time to voice his frustration with Abbott’s veto. At a news conference the following day, Monday, June 23, 2025, Patrick chided the governor’s veto. “In reading the proclamation, one can only come to this conclusion.” Patrick then added, "The Governor of the State of Texas wants to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas."
This dispute has its roots in actions taken six years ago. That’s when lawmakers inadvertently touched off a boom in hemp-based products when they authorized the sale of consumable hemp. Legislators explain the measure was intended to boost Texas agriculture.
