Texas Senate Passes Bill to Ban THC Products, Sending Measure to House

Senate Bill 3 prohibits consumable hemp products with THC, sparking concerns over economic impact and federal law conflicts.

Senate Bill 3, approved by a 24-7 vote in the Texas Senate, bans all consumable hemp products containing THC, except CBD and CBG formulations with no detectable THC.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a strong proponent of the bill, argues it addresses public safety risks, particularly for children, while critics warn of economic harm to the state's hemp industry.
The legislation introduces criminal penalties, including misdemeanors for selling unregistered products and felonies for operating without a permit.
Opponents, including the Texas Hemp Business Council, argue the ban could push THC products into unregulated black markets and threaten over 7,000 dispensaries and 50,000 jobs.
The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives, where its outcome remains uncertain, with potential conflicts with federal hemp laws also raising questions.