Navigating the 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Significant Updates to SB3
Howdy Y’all! Welcome back to THC Eazy’s coverage of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session to break down just what the hell is going on down in Austin and how it will affect us hemp users, retailers, and the everyday Texan. In this blog we will provide an update on SB3, the total THC ban, as it has passed the Senate and heads to the Texas House floor. Should hemp retailers and users be worried? Read more!
Understanding SB 3 and Its Implications
Introduced by Senator Charles Perry, SB 3 seeks to address concerns about the accessibility and safety of THC products, particularly among minors. The bill proposes stringent measures, including:
- Comprehensive THC Ban: Prohibiting the sale of all consumable hemp products containing any THC, effectively removing items like gummies, vapes, and infused beverages from the market. Austin American-Statesman
Proponents of the bill, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, argue that these measures are necessary to protect public health and prevent underage consumption. Patrick has emphasized the proximity of hemp shops to schools as a significant concern, stating, "These shops... are close to our schools in Texas." Faith B., Houston-Chron
The Legislative Journey Ahead
While the Senate's approval marks a critical step, SB 3 must navigate the Texas House of Representatives before becoming law. The House presents a different landscape, with varying perspectives on hemp regulation. Notably, House Bill 28 (HB 28), introduced by Representative Ken King, offers an alternative approach by proposing stricter regulations and licensing requirements for THC products rather than an outright ban. Houston Chronicle
The House's inclination towards regulation over prohibition suggests that SB 3 may encounter resistance or undergo significant amendments during the committee review process. This divergence underscores the complexity of achieving consensus on hemp policy in Texas. Texas Cannabis Policy Center
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
Lt. Governor Patrick has expressed a strong commitment to the passage of SB 3, indicating a willingness to push for a special legislative session if the bill does not advance. However, it's important to note that only the Governor holds the authority to call a special session. Patrick can, however, influence legislative priorities by leveraging his position to delay or block other essential bills, thereby encouraging lawmakers to address his concerns. The Texas Tribune
Despite Patrick's determination, several factors suggest that hemp retailers should not be overly alarmed at this stage:
- Legislative Volume: With thousands of bills under consideration, the legislative process is inherently selective, and not all proposed legislation reaches fruition.
- House Priorities: The Texas House has demonstrated a preference for regulation over prohibition, as evidenced by HB 28. This stance may lead to significant modifications to SB 3 or its stalling.
- Governor's Agenda: Governor Greg Abbott has prioritized issues such as school choice, which may take precedence over hemp-related legislation.
- Special Session Dynamics: While Lt. Governor Patrick can advocate for a special session, the decision rests solely with Governor Abbott. The Governor's broader legislative agenda and political considerations will influence this decision.
Given these dynamics, hemp retailers should stay informed and engaged but recognize that the path to enacting SB 3 is complex and uncertain. Active participation in the legislative process, such as communicating with representatives and staying abreast of developments, remains crucial.
TLDR: The bill has passed the initial vote in the Senate and will move forward to the house. It must now move through the house, and possible back to the senate, before moving forward to the Governor’s desk. However, for several reasons the bill faces opposition and is unlikely to pass in it’s current form. However, this is Texas and anything can happen!
References
The Texas Tribune. (2025, March 19). Texas Senate passes bill banning THC in hemp products, sending it to the House. Retrieved from https://www.texastribune.org
KHOU 11 News. (2025, March 18). Texas Senate passes bill to ban hemp-derived THC products like delta-8. Retrieved from https://www.khou.com
Texas Policy Research. (2025, March). Senate Bill 3: Dan Patrick’s push to ban all THC products in Texas. Retrieved from https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com
Lexology. (2025, March). Texas Senate Bill 3: Proposed ban on all hemp-derived THC products. Retrieved from https://www.lexology.com
News 4 San Antonio. (2025, March). Texas THC bill clash: Senate seeks ban, House proposes regulation. Retrieved from https://news4sanantonio.com
Houston Chronicle. (2025, March). Texas lawmakers at odds over THC ban proposals. Retrieved from https://www.chron.com
Houston Chronicle. (2025, March 25). Dan Patrick signals hard push for THC ban, but Governor Abbott may have other priorities. Retrieved from https://www.chron.com
The Texas Tribune. (2025, March 27). Dan Patrick may call for special session over THC ban, but Abbott controls the calendar. Retrieved from https://www.texastribune.org