Texas Moves to Ban All THC Products

Texas lawmakers have advanced a sweeping ban on all THC products, marking a major turning point for the state’s hemp and cannabis industry. Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which passed the Texas House in a 95-44 vote, would outlaw the sale, possession, and manufacture of any consumable hemp product containing intoxicating cannabinoids—including popular items like delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC, as well as edibles, vapes, and beverages.

What the Ban Includes

• SB 3 prohibits any consumable hemp product with synthetic or naturally occurring intoxicating cannabinoids, such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC.
• Only non-intoxicating compounds like CBD and CBG will remain legal, but these will require registration with the state.
• The bill specifically targets products that provide a psychoactive effect, aiming to close loopholes that allowed these substances to be sold legally since 2019.

Penalties and Enforcement

• Adults caught with THC products could face fines up to $500, with repeat offenses leading to larger fines and possible jail time.
• Manufacturing, delivering, or possessing THC products with intent to deliver would be a third-degree felony, punishable by two to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
• The ban does not affect the state’s limited Compassionate Use Program, which allows certain medical patients access to low-THC cannabis.

Economic and Social Impact

• Texas’ hemp industry is valued at about $8 billion and supports an estimated 50,000 jobs.
• Thousands of retailers and manufacturers could be forced to close or pivot their business models if the ban takes effect.
• Many Texans, including veterans and patients with chronic conditions, have relied on legal THC products for relief. Critics warn the ban may push consumers to the unregulated black market.

Political Context and Next Steps

• Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has championed the ban, arguing it is necessary to protect public health and prevent access to intoxicating products by children.
• The bill is now awaiting final procedural steps and could soon reach Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. The governor has not yet commented on whether he will sign SB 3 into law..
• If enacted, the ban could take effect as early as September 2025.

In summary: Texas is poised to implement one of the strictest bans on THC products in the country, aiming to eliminate nearly all intoxicating hemp-derived products from the market. The move has sparked intense debate over public health, economic impact, and personal freedom, with the future of thousands of Texas businesses and consumers hanging in the balance.