Austin, July 23, 2025
News Summary
Texas lawmakers have resumed efforts to ban THC products following Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of a similar bill. The Senate State Affairs Committee held a lengthy hearing on Senate Bill 5, aiming to prohibit THC-containing hemp products for individuals under 21. Advocates express concern over the potential impact on the $5.5 billion hemp industry, while law enforcement highlights safety risks. The proposed legislation could impose new criminal penalties for violations, reflecting a significant legislative push for stricter THC regulations amidst ongoing debates.
Austin, Texas – Texas Legislators Resume Efforts to Prohibit THC Products
Texas lawmakers have reignited discussions about banning THC products as a special session of the legislature has commenced. This renewed effort follows Governor Greg Abbott’s recent veto of a similar bill during the regular session, which aimed to outlaw THC substances.
The Senate State Affairs Committee held its first hearing on the proposed legislation shortly after the session began. State Senator Charles Perry, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 5, is spearheading the effort to ban THC-containing hemp products. This comes on the heels of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s call for a complete prohibition on THC items within the state.
During the hearing on Senate Bill 5, which lasted over six hours, law enforcement representatives expressed concerns that merely regulating THC products might not be sufficient to maintain public safety. Medical experts were also present, presenting data indicating that THC use among young adults could lead to detrimental long-term health effects, including memory loss and decreased IQ.
In contrast, Governor Abbott’s previous veto emphasized the need for stronger regulations rather than a blanket ban. His office has advocated that hemp products should be prohibited for individuals under 21 years old and has highlighted the necessity of banning harmful synthetic counterparts. According to the governor’s proposed framework, adults would still have access to heavily regulated hemp products, provided these products do not exceed 3.0 milligrams of total THC per serving.
Senator Borris Miles commented on the ongoing THC debate, describing it as a “big boy fight” among legislators, highlighting the stark divide in opinions on the issue. Supporters of the hemp industry, which generates approximately $5.5 billion and employs around 53,000 individuals across Texas, are concerned about the impact of a ban on businesses. They warn that such legislation could result in layoffs and business closures.
The Texas Police Chiefs Association provided testimony during the hearing, indicating that regulating THC products would require extensive resources and significant time, which they believe to be impractical. Additionally, several industry stakeholders cautioned that a ban could unintentionally drive users towards the unregulated black market, creating further safety risks.
As of now, no additional discussions on THC regulations are scheduled in the Texas House, and experts note that lawmakers will not be able to override the governor’s veto during this special session. If Senate Bill 5 were to be passed, it would make it unlawful to sell or market consumable hemp products containing THC to individuals under 21 and would establish new criminal penalties for violations.
The Senate committee has unanimously voted 10-0 to advance Senate Bill 5 to a full Senate vote, indicating there is significant legislative support for this proposed ban. Meanwhile, advocates for the hemp industry are continuing their push for reasonable regulations to ensure public health is protected while maintaining access for adult consumers.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: THC Legislation in Texas
- KVUE
- Google Search: Texas THC Ban
- ABC 13
- Google Scholar: THC Legislation Impact
- NBC DFW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: THC Regulation
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: Texas THC Senate Bill 5
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
