Navigating the 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Key THC Legislation Update 3 - A Review of SB3, the Proposed Bill to Outright Ban THC in Texas
Navigating the 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Key THC Legislation Updates – A Review of SB 3
Howdy, Friends! Welcome to the third in THC Eazy’s series of blogs covering the 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Key THC legislation Updates. This blog will focus on the recent SB3 hearing on Monday March 3, 2025, what happened, who was there, and why it matters!
The Texas Legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a proposal that could significantly impact the state's hemp industry. The recent March 3rd Senate State Affairs Committee hearing provided insight into the bill’s potential effects, as well as the arguments from both its supporters and its opponents.
Overview of the SB 3 Hearing
The hearing featured a diverse range of testimonies. Proponents of SB 3 included Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) (the bill’s author), law enforcement officials, and representatives from the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas and the Beer Alliance. Additionally, individuals testified about the potential dangers of THC, including parents who spoke about their children’s struggles with addiction.
On the other side, hemp industry advocates, including business owners, veterans, and parents of children benefiting from hemp-derived products, provided testimony about the positive effects of legal hemp. Many attendees remained at the Capitol for over 10 hours to share their experiences.
Key Concerns Regarding SB 3
During the hearing, several concerns were raised regarding the potential consequences of SB 3:
- Federal Law Considerations: The bill conflicts with the federal 2018 Farm Bill, enacted under the first President Donald Trump administration, which federally legalized hemp. Legal challenges related to federal preemption and interstate commerce could arise if SB 3 is enacted. Historically, the Texas GOP leaders have fierce reverence to President Trump and consistently switch their core values and positions to that of President Trump ensure they remain loyal and in his good graces. This would be a rare reverse in course for the mainstream Texas GOP, if they continue with the THC ban.
- Impact on Texas Farmers & Retailers: Since the bill restricts the sale and transport of legal hemp, it could create significant economic hardships for farmers and business owners who have relied on existing regulations. The hemp industry in Texas was estimated to bring in over $8 billion in 2023, employing up to 50,000 jobs within the State and the bill would effectively end industry, money, jobs, etc.
- Compliance Challenges: SB 3 introduces new product purity standards that may be difficult to meet, potentially causing otherwise compliant products to be removed from the market.
What’s Next for SB 3?
The future of SB 3 remains uncertain. While the bill appeared to have enough support to move forward, testimony from industry stakeholders raised concerns that may lead to revisions before further legislative action is taken. Senator Perry may seek changes to the bill to address procedural or legal challenges.
Public Engagement and Legislative Advocacy
THC Eazy firmly believes in the amplifying voice of the people of Texas, regardless of stance on SB3. We strongly encourage stakeholders who wish to engage in the legislative process to contact their representatives to express their perspectives. Here are a few key considerations for those participating in advocacy efforts:
- Texas has regulations in place to oversee the hemp industry but may lack resources of enforcement. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) currently manages over 7,000 licensed hemp facilities but has limited enforcement resources and staff. We have seen reports from 4.5 FTE – 7 FTE who oversee theses licenses.
- Hemp and marijuana are distinct in the United States. Under federal law, hemp is defined as containing 0.3% or less of delta-9 THC, while marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. However, there are many psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp-derived THC even though they are off the controlled substance list. Thus, the products have little to no regulation and oversight (no age restrictions, packaging restrictions, etc.).
- Targeted enforcement & legislation or outright bans? The hemp industry contributes greatly to the state’s financial wellbeing; multibillion dollars to the state’s economy each year, growing industry, creating thousands of jobs, helping to rebuild the agricultural community that built the state of Texas (sorry the founder of THC Eazy comes from a long line of Texas farmers so we’re a little biased here). An outright ban would kill the industry and could create scenarios where large corporations control the hemp-derived THC market in the future. However, hemp-derived THC has products that are psychoactive and would be considered mind altering substances, most of which fall under controlled substances in the United States and are heavily regulated for the safety of consumers. It seems a meeting in the middle may serve well for all. Regardless of where you stand, use your voice!
The Broader Implications of SB 3 & THC Eazy’s Thoughts
The Texas hemp industry has provided economic opportunities and medical relief for thousands of residents. While lawmakers debate the future of THC regulations, any changes should balance consumer safety, regulatory clarity, and economic sustainability.
As SB 3 progresses, continued dialogue between policymakers, industry professionals, and consumers will be essential in shaping the future of hemp in Texas. Those invested in this issue should remain informed and engaged as the legislative process unfolds. Let’s talk, debate, strive to understand one another to find common ground. Yes, compromise does result in giving up on some of your wants, but it should also mean getting some of what you want and not leaving with malicious feelings or a bad taste in your mouth. Remember, we are all in this together and what affects one can affect us all! Keep your head up, stay strong, and always be Eazy! Life is too short, y’all.