On June 22, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill  3 — a sweeping ban on all hemp-derived THC products — just minutes before midnight. This is a huge victory that resulted from the combined efforts of the Texas Hemp Industry. In addition to killing the ban, he also called lawmakers back for a July 21 special session to establish a regulatory framework instead.

Read Governor Abbotts Veto SB 3 Proclamation Statement

How We Helped Make It Happen

When SB 3 passed both chambers of the Legislature, there was three weeks to secure a veto from Governor Abbott. So, we launched one of the most coordinated grassroots campaigns the hemp industry in Texas has ever seen.

Here’s what we accomplished together:

  • 8,000+ handwritten letters delivered to Governor Abbott’s desk from veterans, nurses, teachers, parents, small business owners, farmers and responsible adult Texans who rely on hemp products.
  • 155k petition signatures submitted through our online action center.
  • A press conference at the Texas Capitol with industry members and veterans where we hand delivered our printed signed petitions and handwritten letters to the Governor’s office.
  • #FacesofTXHemp campaign, putting real stories on video targeted at Governor Abbott on social media and delivery to his inbox — showing who uses hemp and why it matters. This included videos from medical professionals, lawyers, athletes, veterans, teachers, and elderly who rely on these products.
  • An organic social campaign fueled by the hemp industry which kept #vetoSB3 trending nationally for 2 weeks on X.
  • Direct outreach to the Governor’s office and key allies by voters, industry members, legislators, lobbyists, to ensure the message was heard loud and clear: We need smart regulations, not a ban.

What Governor Abbott Said in His Veto

In his veto proclamation, Governor Abbott echoed many of the very concerns we raised throughout our campaign:

“SB 3 is almost certainly unconstitutional… A law that is immediately enjoined serves no one… It is more dangerous to leave these products unregulated for years.”
— Governor Greg Abbott, June 22, 2025

He also acknowledged that banning hemp-derived THC outright would leave the market in chaos, mirroring the years-long legal limbo unfolding in Arkansas after a similar ban was challenged in court.

Instead, he proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework, which we fully support provided the regulations are fair and not fear based.

What Comes Next: Special Session Starts July 21

Governor Abbott didn’t just veto SB 3 — he called a special session starting July 21 to create additional regulations for the hemp industry. This is a huge opportunity for Texas to do it right.

Here’s what we expect to be on the table:

  • Age-gating and marketing restrictions
  • Mandatory lab testing and COAs
  • Packaging and labeling requirements
  • Retail oversight and enforcement through TABC
  • Local control options
  • Product safety standards that protect consumers and preserve access
  • Potency limits

We’re already working with legislators and stakeholders to make sure these regulations are fair, science-based, and achievable for small businesses.

What You Can Do Now

We need your continued support to make sure the new bill reflects the needs of the industry and the Texans who depend on it.

  • Share your story — keep using #FacesofTXHemp to make it personal. Post on social and tag THBC and #txlege or send to us and we will post on our accounts!
  • Contact your legislators before the session starts – tell them you support safe, accessible hemp products, not government overreach.
  • Sign up for our newsletter updates to receive updates and action items.