Texas House Passes Senate Bill 3, a Prohibition on Hemp-Derived THC

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On May 21, 2025, Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) passed in the Texas House of Representatives (1). The vote totals, still to be certified by the House Journal Clerk, total were 95 yeas, 44 nays, with two present, not voting. As explained in a news release from Texas Cannabis Policy Center, the bill had passed its second reading, will require another vote in the House, be sent to the Senate for final approval, and then will be sent to Governor Greg Abbott (2). If passed, the law would go into effect in September 2025 (1).

As outlined by the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, the policies of the new bill include prohibition on cannabinoids other than CBD or CBG in hemp products (2). Additionally, microbial testing would be required, as would reporting of cannabinoid content and concentration to DSHS. Labels would need to display cannabinoid content and would not be allowed to suggest the product is for medical use.

It also restricts purchasing of cannabinoid products to individuals age 21 and older, enforces child-resistant packaging, and prohibits the sale of cannabinoid products within 1000 feet of a school (2).

Exemptions for hemp research at higher education institutions were noted (2).

On May 21, the Texas Hemp Business Council issued a statement on the passing of the bill, urging Governor Abbott to reject SB 3, also stating that the hemp industry would continue to advocate for policies that protect public health and freedom of choice for consumers (3). The Texas Hemp Business Council states that it is an organization that promotes the hemp industry and advocates for consumer safety, education, and stakeholder engagement (3).

“We are deeply disappointed by the Texas House’s passage of SB 3, a bill that dismantles the legal hemp industry and ignores the voices of small businesses, farmers, veterans and consumers across the state who rely on hemp-derived products for their livelihoods and well-being,” the statement begins (3). “Despite overwhelming testimony and clear data demonstrating the safety and economic value of federally legal hemp-derived cannabinoids, lawmakers have chosen a path that eliminates an entire sector of our economy, one that generates $4.3 billion in retail sales, 53,300 jobs and $268 million in tax revenue.” The statement also argues for amendments under HB 1325 that would strengthen current hemp regulations in the state by setting age restrictions for purchasing products, for example.

Quoted in the Texas Hemp Business Council statement is combat veteran Dave Walden, incoming State Commander for the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), who previously presented testimony against the bill, discussing the negative effect it would have on veteran health (4). “We turned to these products not for escape, but for restoration,” stated Walden, in a May 20 press release from VFW. “They helped us function, connect and rebuild. Veterans deserve the freedom to choose what supports our health and well-being.”

References

1. Texas Legislature Online. Senate Bill 3. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB3 (accessed May 22, 2025).
2. Texas Cannabis Policy Center. Texas House Votes to Re-Criminalize Hemp-Derived THC https://texascannabispolicy.org/news-and-updates/f/texas-house-votes-to-re-criminalize-hemp-derived-thc (accessed May 22, 2025).
3. Texas Hemp Business Council. Statement from the Texas Hemp Business Council on Passage of SB 3 https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/22/3086264/0/en/Statement-from-the-Texas-Hemp-Business-Council-on-Passage-of-SB-3.html (accessed May 22, 2025).
4. Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars. Texas Veterans Tell Lawmakers to Vote No on CSSB 3 to Protect Their Right to Heal https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/21/3085390/0/en/Texas-Veterans-Tell-Lawmakers-to-Vote-No-on-CSSB-3-to-Protect-Their-Right-to-Heal.html (accessed May 22, 2025).