Gov. Abbott vetoes THC ban in Texas, calls upcoming special legislative session

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed one of the most scrutinized bills of the legislative session — a total ban on all consumable hemp products that contain the intoxicating chemical in cannabis — less than an hour before the veto deadline.

Thousands of Texans on both sides of this issue sent petitions to the governor to sway his decision. Those against the bill said it would negatively impact farmers and small businesses. Others argued it would take away a medical option for many Texans who use the products to help with pain and other diseases.

The Hemp Industry and Farmers of America applauded the governor late Sunday night after the decision was announced.

"The hemp industry stands with the Governor's decision to allow this industry to prosper and thrive," it said in a statement. "The hemp industry welcomes the opportunity to work with the legislature to put forth common sense and thoughtful regulations that keep our children safe while protecting consumers."

Supporters of the bill say the hemp industry in Texas is not regulated when it comes to consumable hemp products containing THC. They also claimed the packaging of certain products could attract children.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a supporter of the bill, took to social media to share his reaction to the veto. He said the governor had remained silent on the bill the entire session.

"The bill that would have banned dangerous THC products in Texas," wrote Patrick. "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."

Patrick said he would hold a press conference on Monday.

Earlier this week, the Allen police department announced it had seized more than 75,000 pounds of THC products at three different warehouses in Dallas. Police say the $7 million bust involved products with THC concentrations ranging from 7% to 78%, far above the state’s legal threshold of 0.3%.

Lawmakers will get another crack at Senate Bill 3 after Abbott called for a special session to begin on July 21. He's listed six bills that will be up for consideration during the special session:

• SB 3 - regulating consumable hemp products.
• SB 648 - recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
• SB 1253 - impact and production fees for certain water projects and the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
• SB 1278 - an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
• SB 1758 - the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
• SB 2878 - the operation and administration of, and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.

“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come," Abbott said in a press release. "Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”