Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick Makes THC Ban a Top Priority for 2025

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced that legislation aimed at banning all consumable products containing any form of THC is one of his top 25 priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Senate Bill 3, introduced in December, seeks to repeal parts of House Bill 1325, which legalized hemp cultivation and products in 2019 following the 2018 Farm Bill. Patrick and other conservatives argue the law has led to a booming, unregulated market for THC-infused products.

The Rise of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids and Public Safety Concerns

Patrick’s concern lies with the growing prevalence of retail outlets selling THC-infused products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC, which have become increasingly popular in Texas since 2023. He claims that these products, often unregulated and sold without proper oversight, are exposing Texans, especially children, to dangerous levels of THC. According to Patrick, the sale of these hazardous products circumvents Texas’ medical cannabis law, which only permits low-THC cannabis for medical use under strict regulations.

Senate Bill 3: A Push for Comprehensive Legislation

Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, is carrying Senate Bill 3, which would ban all THC products in the state. Patrick has positioned the bill as a high priority for the Senate, ahead of other important legislation such as the state budget and school choice proposals. Despite the bill not yet being officially filed, it is expected to receive substantial attention in the coming months. Patrick, known for his conservative stance, believes the bill has broad bipartisan support within the Senate but expresses caution regarding the House’s stance on the matter.

Criticism of the Status Quo: A Call for Regulation, Not Prohibition

While some support the move to ban THC products entirely, others argue the legislation goes too far. Critics, including Lukas Gilkey, CEO of Austin-based Hometown Hero and a founding member of the Texas Hemp Business Council, believe that such a ban would harm Texas’ burgeoning hemp industry, which has created thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the state’s economy. Gilkey advocates for regulation rather than prohibition, proposing solutions like age gating, child-resistant packaging, and setbacks from schools as more balanced approaches to address safety concerns.

The Economic Impact and the Role of Texas Farmers

Texas has seen rapid growth in the hemp industry, with more than 750 licensed farmers cultivating over 3,000 acres of hemp. The hemp-derived cannabinoid sector has become an economic powerhouse, creating significant employment opportunities across the state. The Texas Hemp Business Council emphasizes the need for regulations that protect public safety while allowing businesses to thrive. According to Gilkey, millions of Texans, including veterans, rely on hemp-derived products for medicinal or lifestyle purposes, and a ban would have far-reaching consequences.

The Path Forward for Texas Cannabis Legislation

As the 2025 legislative session progresses, the debate surrounding THC regulation in Texas is expected to intensify. Proponents of a THC ban argue that the state must protect public safety, while industry leaders warn that the proposed legislation could severely harm the economy and the livelihoods of Texans involved in the hemp sector. Whether the state opts for a complete ban or compromises on regulation will determine the future of Texas’ cannabis market.

This clash between public safety and economic interests sets the stage for a defining moment in the state’s approach to cannabis and THC regulation. As the legislative session unfolds, all eyes will be on Texas lawmakers to see how they address this complex and divisive issue.