The bill had overwhelming support from Republicans. A whopping 105 out of 108 GOP lawmakers voted for it. But Governor Abbott had other ideas – he wanted to make sure suffering Texans could still get the medicine they need.
Late Sunday night, Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, which would have banned Delta-8, Delta-9 and all other forms of THC in Texas. His decision protects thousands of patients who use these products for pain relief. Instead of a ban, he called for a special session starting July 21 to create sensible regulations.
From ‘Breitbart News’:
The governor had until midnight Sunday night to veto SB-3 or allow it to become law without his signature. Groups from both sides of the issue applied political pressure to the governor’s office. In the end, Abbott decided to veto the bill and call for its regulation.
“Senate Bill 3 is well-intentioned,” Abbott wrote in a veto proclamation. “But it would never go into effect because of valid constitutional challenges. Litigation challenging the bill has already been filed, and the legal defects in the bill are undeniable.”
Abbott, a former Texas Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General, said the bill would likely be struck down in court. He pointed to a similar Arkansas law that was overturned by federal judges.
Veterans Need Medicine
The governor’s decision comes after veterans groups lobbied hard against the ban. Many veterans rely on THC products to manage chronic pain and PTSD without turning to addictive opioids.
Gulf War veteran Barnes explained why this access is so vital: “There’s really nothing at the VA to help with pain or anxiety that isn’t addictive. I was a zombie on a couch.”
Before THC was legal in Texas, Barnes had to use prescribed opioids for years. “The doctor assured me he could prescribe me enough,” Barnes said. “I said, ‘Sure, you can, but I can’t afford it.”
For thousands of Texans like Barnes, Abbott’s veto means they can continue using a medicine that works without facing the dangers of addiction or turning to illegal sources.
Economic Impact
The veto also protects a booming industry. According to the Texas Hemp Business Council, the hemp industry employs 53,000 Texans and generates over $4.3 billion in annual sales.
Instead of a ban, Abbott wants smart regulations. He suggested “a structure similar to the way alcohol is regulated, with strict enforcement by an agency like the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.”
Not everyone is happy with Abbott’s decision. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick blasted the governor, saying the veto left families “who have seen their loved ones’ lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs feeling abandoned.”
A Balanced Approach
Survey data shows that while most Texans want stricter regulations on THC products, a ban goes too far. Even 44% of Republicans oppose an outright ban.
Abbott’s approach aims to find middle ground. He wants to protect access for those who need it while keeping products away from kids. Law enforcement groups had raised concerns about THC products marketed with bright colors and candy flavors.
The special session will give lawmakers a chance to craft rules that work. Rules that protect both medicine access and safety. That’s what real conservative leadership looks like – not blanket bans, but thoughtful solutions that respect both health needs and responsibility.
The governor’s stand reminds us that sometimes being a true conservative means making tough calls, even when your own party disagrees. For thousands of veterans seeking pain relief and Texans wanting reasonable regulations instead of prohibition, Abbott’s decision may prove to be the right one.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Abbott vetoed a Republican-backed THC ban to protect medicine access for veterans and patients.
- The hemp industry employs 53,000 Texans and generates $4.3 billion in annual sales.
- Abbott called for sensible regulation similar to alcohol laws instead of an outright ban.
- A special session in July will craft new rules balancing patient needs with safety concerns.
