A Wild Ride for Texas Hemp
2025 has been one for the books in Texas when it comes to hemp. Between the debate over hemp-derived THC, a proposed statewide ban, and a Governor’s veto that kept the market alive, the Lone Star State has become ground zero in the national conversation around hemp regulation.
While other states moved toward bans or heavy restrictions, Texas took a different route—one filled with sharp turns, vetoes, and executive actions. Here’s how it unfolded and what it means for consumers and craft hemp brands like 8th Wonder.
The Push for a Ban: Senate Bill 3 (SB3)
At the start of the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 3 (SB3) was introduced, championed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The bill proposed a ban on hemp-derived THC consumables—including beverages and edibles—allowing only CBD and CBG isolate products to remain legal.
Supporters argued it would clean up an unregulated market. Opponents, including industry leaders and small businesses, warned that it would crush the Texas hemp economy, cost thousands of jobs, and remove adult access to safe, tested products.
Despite heavy opposition, SB3 passed both chambers and landed on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.
Governor Abbott’s Veto: Regulation Over Prohibition
Governor Abbott ultimately vetoed SB3, halting the ban before it became law. His decision preserved the legality of hemp-derived THC products under both the 2018 Federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law (HB1325).
In his veto statement, Governor Abbott called for responsible regulation—not prohibition. He recommended:
- Age restrictions (21+) for all consumable hemp sales.
- Increased testing standards for safety and potency.
- Stronger enforcement to target noncompliant operators.
This veto created a split at the top: Lt. Governor Patrick continued pushing for an outright ban, while Abbott advocated for balanced oversight.
Two Special Sessions, Same Story
After the veto, Abbott convened two special sessions, asking lawmakers to pass a regulation bill instead of a ban. The Senate responded with nearly identical prohibition bills (SB5 and SB6), which once again passed their chamber quickly.
Both times, the Texas House declined to advance the ban, signaling interest in a regulatory approach instead. Hearings were held, debates took place, but no compromise emerged. By the close of the second special session, Texas lawmakers had taken no formal action on hemp legislation.
Executive Order GA-56: Setting Guardrails Without a Ban
With the legislature gridlocked, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-56, taking direct action without passing new laws. Rather than banning hemp products, the order established baseline compliance measures:
- Age Gating: Only adults 21 and older can purchase consumable hemp products.
- Testing Standards: All hemp-derived consumables must meet laboratory testing and safety benchmarks before sale.
This executive order effectively created a regulatory floor, not a ceiling—preserving consumer access while ensuring stronger quality controls.
Where Texas Hemp Laws Stand Today (Fall 2025)
Here’s what’s legal and required now across the state:
✅ Consumable hemp products remain legal, including beverages and edibles containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC (≤0.3% by dry weight).
✅ 21+ age verification is mandatory for purchase.
✅ Testing and labeling compliance are now built into the framework.
✅ No bans are currently in effect—despite repeated attempts in the legislature.
What It Means for 8th Wonder and Texas Consumers
At 8th Wonder, we’ve long believed that hemp beverages deserve the same level of care and oversight as any other craft product. The 2025 rollercoaster may have been intense, but the outcome matters: Texas chose regulation over prohibition.
That means adults across the Lone Star State can continue enjoying hemp-derived Delta-9 beverages, made with transparency, testing, and responsibility in mind.
