Vetoed sweeping THC ban and pushed for smarter regulation

On June 22–23, 2025, Gov. Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3—which would have banned all hemp-derived THC products, including delta‑8 and delta‑9—and instead called for a special legislative session starting July 21 to develop a targeted regulatory framework (texastribune.org).
His stance favors treating THC products responsibly—especially around minors—rather than prohibiting an entire multi-billion-dollar industry of farmers, veterans, and small businesses .