Due to an deadlock between Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Texas Legislature ended its newest particular session with out a invoice to both ban or impose main laws on the state’s quickly rising hemp trade.
Patrick fought for an outright ban on hemp merchandise containing THC, the compound in hashish that will get folks excessive, whereas Abbott, a fellow Republican, needed the state to manage THC very similar to it does alcohol. Certainly, the governor even vetoed a Patrick-championed THC ban lawmakers handed throughout the summer season.
The Texas Home ended the particular session Wednesday evening with out approving Senate Invoice 6, which might have barred the sale of hemp merchandise containing any quantity of psychoactive cannabinoid materials. Though handed by Patrick’s Senate, the proposal lingered within the the Home for roughly two weeks with out a listening to that may let it transfer ahead.
The Lege’s failure move both a brand new framework for the state’s $5.5 billion hemp trade or an outright ban means gross sales of THC-containing merchandise similar to delta-8 stay authorized and largely with out regulation — even together with an age restrict for purchases. Nevertheless, the Lege did move a separate regulation this summer season outlawing the sale of THC vapes, which went into impact Monday.
“The hemp ban bust represents a serious win for Texas companies, farmers and shoppers. Slightly than embrace the hemp trade’s complete regulatory package deal, Dan Patrick continued his out-of-touch campaign to ban all hemp — ignoring 80% of Texas voters,” Brian Swensen, govt director of the Hemp Business & Farmers of America (HIFA), mentioned in an emailed assertion.
In a Wednesday evening tweet, Patrick acknowledged the hemp ban was useless for the session, including that he, Abbott and Home Speaker Dustin Burrows had been unable to seek out frequent floor. The lieutenant governor threw within the towel after GOP lawmakers spent hours making an attempt to hammer out compromise laws, in keeping with the Texas Tribune, citing a number of legislators and staffers conversant in the talks.
At press time, it’s unclear whether or not Abbott plans to name one other particular session.
Hemp trade officers lobbied in favor of what they known as “commonsense” tips for THC gross sales, together with a 21-and-up age restrict, efficiency labeling, testing for toxins and barring gross sales close to faculties. Nevertheless, HIFA’s Swensen mentioned Patrick’s refusal to compromise in the end cratered the state’s hope of adopting near-term laws.
“The hemp trade stays dedicated to sensible insurance policies that assist Texas companies and financial prosperity — one thing the Legislature ought to bear in mind,” he mentioned.
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As a substitute, Gov. Greg Abbott known as for a particular legislative session to manage the trade and preserve its merchandise away from minors.
This text seems in Sep 3-17, 2025.
