Texas lawmakers have ended their second special session without passing legislation to ban or further regulate hemp-derived THC products. This decision allows thousands of hemp retailers in the state to continue operating.
During the session, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Governor Greg Abbott, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows were unable to agree on a path forward. “He, Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dustin Burrows were unable to reach a resolution they could all live with,” according to Patrick’s statement on X last week. Patrick had advocated for a complete ban on THC products, which initially passed both legislative chambers during the regular session but was vetoed by Abbott.
Senate Bill 3, introduced by Patrick, would have banned most THC products derived from hemp—including Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies and vapes. However, Abbott vetoed the bill, citing concerns about defining restricted products and establishing a regulatory framework.
The proposed ban threatened significant economic impact. The bill could have eliminated an estimated $8 billion in annual revenue across 8,500 stores in Texas. This potential loss would have affected not only retailers but also retail landlords who lease space to these businesses.
While broader restrictions failed, lawmakers did pass Senate Bill 2024 during the regular session. This law bans vapes containing THC and hemp-derived cannabinoids such as Delta-8. It also prohibits vaping devices for substances other than nicotine—including cannabinoids, kratom, kava, mushrooms, and tianeptine.
The Texas Legislature meets biennially; its next regular session is scheduled for January 2027. However, the governor retains authority to call another special session if necessary.
This outcome is seen as beneficial not only for retailers but also for Texas farmers involved in hemp cultivation. The industry now supports more than 53,000 workers statewide.
