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A proposed ban on cannabis-derived compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in Texas has been blocked by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbot.

Late Sunday, Abbot vetoed the bill, which included a ban on a range of products including beverages and gummies, meaning the sale and use of some THC products in the state will remain legal.

Why It Matters

With the move, Abbott vetoes a bill that passed in May with overwhelming support from his own party. The bill had been announced by Republican Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick in December.

In 2019, Texas legalized the sale and consumption of hemp, a weaker form of cannabis with a maximum of 0.3 percent THC. Other cannabis products remained illegal. Patrick argued that some retailers were selling products with “dangerous levels of THC” and that some of these products had been marketed to children.

The Texas legislature passed the bill with overwhelming Republican support.

The Texas THC debate comes amid broader splits in American society about whether cannabis products should be legal. THC is an $8 billion industry in Texas, and a number of experts say the drug is beneficial for medicinal reasons. Others warn of safety concerns about the use of THC.

Governor Greg Abbott speaks during a bill signing in the State Capitol on April 23, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Governor Greg Abbott speaks during a bill signing in the State Capitol on April 23, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

What To Know

Under the proposal, people possessing THC products could have faced fines, while those selling them would have faced potential felony charges and jail time.

In a proclamation about the veto, Abbott said he disapproved of the legislation, arguing that there are legal concerns with the “well-intentioned” legislation.

He called for regulation “that protects public safety.”

What People Are Saying

Brandon Rottinghaus, Professor at the department of political science at the University of Houston told Newsweek: “The THC industry in Texas is safe for now. Regulation is on the way but what it looks like and how far it goes is still unclear. The Governor included a number of suggestions in his proposal for legislation but the lawmakers will have to sort it out.”

He added: “The Governor sided with business on this veto, rejecting the arguments that THC products as outlined by law are dangerous but acknowledging the need to protect kids from having easy access.

“In his veto message, he called for a special session for lawmakers to work out the details of regulation. This is the carrot. He’s also considering other conservative legislation to be added to the call, including potentially redistricting, so the prospect of working on THC reform might entice Democrats to Austin where they might otherwise try to skip to avoid redistricting.”

Republican Governor Greg Abbot said: “Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take effect without delay.”

“Allowing Senate Bill 3 to become law — knowing that it faces a lengthy battle that will render it dead on arrival in court — would hinder rather than help us solve the public safety issues this bill seeks to contain,” Abbott said. “The current market is dangerously under-regulated, and children are paying the price. If Senate Bill 3 is swiftly enjoined by a court, our children will be no safer than if no law was passed, and the problems will only grow.”

Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said on X: “Throughout the legislative session,@GregAbbott_TX remained totally silent on Senate Bill 3, the bill that would have banned dangerous THC products in Texas. His late-night veto, on an issue supported by 105 of 108 Republicans in the legislature, strongly backed by law enforcement, many in the medical and education communities, and the families who have seen their loved ones’ lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs, leaves them feeling abandoned. I feel especially bad for those who testified and poured their hearts out on their tragic losses. I will have much more to say at a press conference tomorrow in Austin.”

Throughout the legislative session, @GregAbbott_TX remained totally silent on Senate Bill 3, the bill that would have banned dangerous THC products in Texas. His late-night veto, on an issue supported by 105 of 108 Republicans in the legislature, strongly backed by law… — Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) June 23, 2025

What Happens Next

With the bill vetoed, the THC market, which is a billion dollar industry in Texas, according to a report by The Independent, will continue to operate. Whether legislators draw up new legislation regarding the sale and use of THC remains to be seen.