Texas House Passes Controversial Hemp Regulation Bill
On May 21, 2025, Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) cleared a significant hurdle by passing the Texas House of Representatives with 95 votes in favor and 44 against, with two members abstaining. This legislative milestone propels the bill to further procedural steps, including an additional House vote and subsequent Senate approval, before potentially landing on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for ratification. Should SB 3 become law, it is slated to take effect in September 2025, marking a pivotal shift in Texas’s hemp policy framework.
Restrictions Tighten on Cannabinoid Products
SB 3 proposes stringent controls on hemp-derived products, significantly limiting permissible cannabinoids to CBD and CBG only, as delineated by the Texas Cannabis Policy Center. The bill introduces mandatory microbial testing and necessitates thorough labeling that accurately discloses cannabinoid content, while expressly prohibiting any medical claims on packaging. Furthermore, these products would only be accessible to those aged 21 and older, with additional requirements for child-resistant packaging and strict proximity limits concerning schools.
Industry and Advocacy Group Concerns
The bill has drawn fierce opposition from the Texas Hemp Business Council, which publicly urged Governor Abbott to veto SB 3. The Council, a prominent advocate for consumer safety and industry growth, argues that the bill would undermine the state’s hemp economy, which significantly contributes to job creation and tax revenue. They stress the necessity of amending existing regulations under HB 1325 to enhance safety while preserving economic benefits.
Veterans Advocate for Cannabis-Based Options
Notably, voices from the veteran community, including Dave Walden from the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), condemned the restrictive measures of SB 3. Walden highlighted the critical role hemp-derived products play in veteran well-being, emphasizing their importance in promoting restorative health practices. The VFW underscores the moral imperative to afford veterans autonomy in managing their health through such accessible and proven resources.
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