News Summary
The Texas House has voted to approve Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a legislation aimed at banning all forms of intoxicating THC, including Delta 8 and Delta 9. The bill has raised concerns among consumers, producers, and medical users, as it threatens a booming hemp industry valued at approximately $8 billion. Critics argue the prohibition may boost illegal market activities while supporters claim it is necessary for public health and safety. The bill now returns to the Senate for final approval before reaching the governor’s desk.
Texas has taken a significant step toward regulating cannabis products with the recent passage of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which effectively bans all forms of intoxicating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. On May 21, 2025, the Texas House approved the bill with a vote of 95-44. Under SB 3, the sale of any cannabinoid products containing THC will be prohibited in the state, while non-intoxicating alternatives such as CBD and CBG will still be allowed.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a key supporter of the bill, has argued that the legislation is essential for safeguarding public health, particularly for children. The passage of SB 3 has sparked considerable backlash from industry advocates and business owners, who claim the ban threatens the nearly $8 billion Texas THC industry and dismantles the state’s growing legal hemp market.
The Texas Hemp Business Council expressed its profound disappointment regarding the bill’s approval, highlighting the negative implications for an industry that generates approximately $4.3 billion in retail sales, supports around 53,300 jobs, and contributes nearly $268 million in tax revenue to the state. The legislation could result in severe legal consequences for those found in possession of THC products, potentially facing up to one year in jail under the new law.
Critics have voiced concern that the ban will not only push the market underground but also deny access to those using THC for therapeutic purposes, particularly veterans. Many industry representatives contend that the legislation disregards the voices of small business owners, farmers, and consumers who have thrived under the existing legal framework. The previous regulations, established under House Bill 1325, allowed for the commercial production and sale of industrial hemp but fell short in regulating intoxicating cannabinoids effectively.
Furthermore, the estimated Texas THC industry, valued at approximately $8 billion, has created about 50,000 jobs. Opponents argue that prohibitive measures such as SB 3 will lead to a rise in unregulated, illegal market activities. A number of lawmakers have expressed discontent with the bill, with one representative likening the prohibition to outdated fears from past decades. Similar sentiments were echoed by industry leaders who have urged for more focused reform through tighter regulations instead of an outright ban.
In light of the House’s decision, Lukas Gilkey, CEO of Hometown Hero, announced plans to prepare for a lawsuit challenging the legislation. The bill will soon return to the Senate for final approval before heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Abbott has previously suggested he requires more information about this legislation and has expressed support for limited marijuana decriminalization efforts in the past.
The momentum for SB 3 follows five years of relative freedom in terms of access to consumable hemp products in Texas. Advocates of the cannabis industry insist that this prohibition does not accurately reflect public opinion or the evolving landscape of consumer demand for THC-related products. Lt. Gov. Patrick described the items banned under SB 3 as “poisonous THC,” emphasizing concerns over marketing campaigns that target minors.
With the Texas hemp industry facing the looming threat of this legislation, many are left wondering what this means for the future of cannabis products in the state. As SB 3 approaches its final stages of approval, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation, weighing the pros and cons of the proposed restrictions against the needs and rights of the populace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Cannabis Business Times: Game Over in Texas
- KRIS 6 News: Local Business Owners React to THC Ban
- Fox 4 News: Texas Lawmakers Debate SB 3
- CBS News: Bill Bans THC Sales, Passes Texas House
- CBS Austin: SB 3 Amendment Proposes Total Ban on THC
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Texas
- Google Search: Texas THC Ban
- Google Scholar: Texas THC Legislation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis
- Google News: Texas THC Ban
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
