Texas Governor Greg Abbott now has less than a week left to decide the fate of a bill that would ban hemp-derived THC, and one that would expand the state’s compassionate use program.
Abott has until June 22 to either sign or veto the measures. If he takes no action, both bills will automatically become law without his signature.
One of the bills, House Bill 46, would significantly expand Texas’ limited medical marijuana program. It would allow patients with chronic pain, terminal illness, or traumatic brain injury to qualify for medical marijuana and would boost the number of licensed dispensaries from three to fifteen. It also authorizes new consumption methods, including patches and inhalers.
The second bill, Senate Bill 3, would ban most hemp-derived THC products—such as delta-8, delta-10, and THCO—if intended for ingestion, inhalation, or topical use. Only trace amounts of THC would be allowed in non-intoxicating products like CBD. The measure would put a rapid end to the state’s multi-billion dollar hemp THC industry. The restrictions would take effect on September 1.
Although both bills passed the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support, Abbott said just a few days ago that he remains undecided on the hemp-derived THC ban. With the June 22 deadline quickly approaching, marijuana advocates and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring his next move.
If Abbott decides to veto either measure, the legislature could override it with a two-thirds majority.
