In a late-night vote Wednesday, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 3, a sweeping measure that bans all intoxicating THC products statewide. The bill, which cleared the chamber 95-44, now heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
Under SB 3, possession of any THC product—including popular compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-9—could result in up to a year in jail. The bill also prohibits the retail sale of cannabinoid products, with limited exceptions for non-psychoactive compounds like CBD and CBG.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a vocal proponent of the legislation, hailed its passage as a step toward public safety. “These stores, which often target children with their marketing, have popped up across the state, threatening the safety of our communities,” Patrick said in a statement. “SB 3 draws a clear line in the sand.”
The bill, authored by Sen. Charles Perry, aims to close loopholes left by federal and state hemp legislation. The 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s own 2019 law legalized hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, but did not address synthetic or alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10. Since then, thousands of shops across Texas have sold these compounds legally, fueling an $8 billion industry.
Industry advocates condemned the vote. “We are deeply disappointed,” said the Texas Hemp Business Council. “SB 3 dismantles the legal hemp industry and ignores the voices of small businesses, farmers, veterans, and consumers.”
Veterans like John Burk, owner of Shell Shock CBD in Richardson, argue that THC provides a safer alternative to opioids. “Texans don’t want this,” Burk said. “Let us be. Let combat veterans be.”
Public opposition to the bill was loud but ultimately unsuccessful. In March, over 170 people signed up to testify against the legislation at the Capitol.
The bill does not impact Texas’ Compassionate Use Program, which allows limited access to medical cannabis for qualifying patients.
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