Texas Hemp Veto: Association of Cannabinoid Specialists' Response
On June 22, 2025, Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill No. 3, "Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty."
Senate Bill No.3 was passed by the Texas legislature as a public safety measure to ban intoxicating compounds associated with cannabinoids derived from hemp or produced through chemical synthesis, some of which are not naturally occurring in hemp plants, because there are no significant regulations regarding potency, safety testing of products or distribution and sale. While the title of the bill implies regulation, the intoxicating compounds noted in the bill would have been prohibited. However, two cannabinoids, CBD and CBG, were specifically cited as allowed because they are not considered intoxicating.
In his veto proclamation, Governor Abbot stated he would like to find an approach that is focused on regulating cannabinoids vs. banning them. He believes providing a regulated sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids would be safer than allowing the illicit market to fill the void and leave the state in a worse position. In the veto proclamation, Governor Abbot wrote,
“Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure, and can take effect without delay.”
Association of Cannabinoid Specialists (ACS) applauds the Texas Governor’s general concern for the safety of children and the general public. Ensuring any product meets certain manufacturing standards, safety testing and sale requirements makes complete sense.
In addition to regulating hemp-derived products, ACS recommends the State of Texas also encourages people seeking out these products for their medicinal benefits to register as a medical patient and access their medicine through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Under the current system, people who want to register would be able to discuss their ailment or condition with a doctor who, in turn, can recommend the appropriate products and dose for that individual patient. In June 2025, House Bill 46 made significant improvements to Texas’ medical cannabis program. While the program may evolve over time, ACS advocates for including medical professionals in any decision to use cannabis as part of a patient treatment program.
As the Governor and Legislature consider new regulatory elements for hemp-derived products, ACS recommends the legislation clearly include statements about the option and preference for people seeking cannabinoids for healthcare to utilize the established cannabis medical program by outlining the benefits of speaking with a doctor, access to a broader set of products aimed at patients and products that provide appropriate dosing for patients.