ONE HEMP Shows Support for Recent Texas Governor Abbott SB 3 Veto

In a recent press release (1), ONE HEMP, an industry group focused on creating regulatory standards for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products, disclosed support for the veto regarding SB 3 from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The senate bill, had it passed, would have banned “federally legal, non-intoxicating hemp wellness products relied on by millions of Texans,” (1).

The group was approving Governor Abbott’s decision to not allow the bill to become official law due to its flaws and also the potential harm it could have brought to people who rely on using safe products to treat their conditions such as, seniors, veterans, and individuals suffering from a variety of health conditions (1).

Governor Abbott said in his veto statement (2,3). “Texans on each side of the Senate Bill 3 debate raise serious concerns.” Governor Abbot continued, “But one thing is clear—to ensure the highest level of safety for minors, as well as for adults, who obtain a product more dangerous than what they expected, Texas must strongly regulate hemp, and it must do so immediately…Senate Bill 3 is well-intentioned. But it would never go into effect because of valid constitutional challenges. Litigation challenging the bill has already been filed, and the legal defects in the bill are undeniable. If I were to allow Senate Bill 3 to become law, it's enforcement would be enjoined for years, leaving existing abuses unaddressed. Texas cannot afford to wait.”

“Governor Abbott's veto was a critical first step in protecting access to safe hemp products,” shared ONE HEMP member John Harloe, J.D., PhD, General Counsel at Village Farms Global Cannabis (1). “One Hemp supports removing harmful products, like Delta 8, but treating all hemp as dangerous or marijuana is extreme. Lawmakers must now distinguish between intoxicating, unsafe products and those that are non-intoxicating, rigorously tested, and label compliant. Texans deserve smart, science-based policies that protect public safety without punishing those who rely on hemp for their health.”

In the press release, ONE HEMP mentioned that the organization (1) “ONE HEMP maintains that proposals to move hemp products into the state's medical cannabis dispensary system isn't a substitute for a well-regulated industry. Non-intoxicating hemp does not fit within a regulatory framework designed for medical marijuana. Treating these products as interchangeable could disrupt access and impact the health of Texans who depend on them.”

Additionally, ONE HEMP asked for lawmakers to work together with both experts and advocates in the industry to create a regulatory model that includes (1):

• Protection for minors from intoxicating products
• Enforces strict testing and labeling standards
• Supports law enforcement with clear rules
• Preserves access to safe, non-intoxicating hemp products

“This is Texas's opportunity to lead with science, compassion, and common sense. Let's get this right — for public health and the rights of all Texans,” added Mr. Harloe (1).

References

1. One Hemp. One hemp commends governor Abbott’s veto of SB 3 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-hemp-commends-governor-abbotts-veto-of-sb-3-302490180.html (accessed Jun 25, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. Texas governor vetoes bill to ban hemp-derived THC in the State https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/texas-governor-vetoes-bill-to-ban-hemp-derived-thc-in-the-state (accessed Jun 24, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Texas legalizes medical cannabis: Becoming the 40th state to do so https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/texas-legalizes-medical-cannabis-becoming-the-40th-state-to-do-so (accessed Jun 25, 2025).