Don’t Mess with Texas Hemp? A Deep Dive into SB 3

On April 30, the Texas House State Affairs Committee advanced Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) to the full House—but the version they moved forward looks dramatically different from the one the Senate passed back in March. At the heart of the debate? Whether Texas should ban hemp-derived THC products outright, as Lt. Governor Dan Patrick proposes, or adopt more structured regulations instead.

Let’s walk through the timeline of SB 3 and what it could mean for the future of hemp in Texas.

Why Is Texas Targeting Hemp?

In December, Patrick—one of Texas’ most powerful political figures—announced that banning all hemp-derived THC products was one of his top legislative priorities.

“I named SB 3 a major legislative initiative of mine because I will not allow retailers to circumvent the law and put Texans’, and especially children’s, lives in danger,” Patrick said.

Following that, the Senate unanimously passed SB 3 in March, igniting concern across the state’s hemp industry.

What Makes SB 3 So Controversial?

Back in 2019, Texas legalized the cultivation and sale of commercial hemp products through House Bill 1325, provided they contained less than 0.3% THC. The goal was to bolster Texas agriculture and unlock new economic opportunities.

But despite legalization, the state has struggled to implement a clear regulatory framework for hemp. This lack of oversight has fueled pushback from lawmakers like Patrick, who argue that the market needs either stricter rules or to be shut down entirely.

The original version of SB 3 would have banned all hemp products containing any level of THC, effectively eliminating thousands of small businesses and putting jobs and revenue at risk. It also runs counter to public sentiment, as most Texans support access to safe, therapeutic cannabis products.

Did SB 3 Pass? 

Not yet—but it’s getting closer. After reaching the House State Affairs Committee, the bill was revised significantly before moving forward. Rather than imposing an outright ban, the House version introduces strict regulations. Key changes include:

• Maintaining the 0.3% THC limit but capping serving sizes at 10mg of delta-9 THC
  
• Adding a 2-cent tax for every 2.5mg of delta-9 THC sold
• Prohibiting synthetic cannabinoids and all vape products
  
• Limiting edible products to those that do not resemble candy or medicine
• Restricting sales to adults 21+ with mandatory electronic age verification
• Banning the combination of hemp products with alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, kratom, kava, and similar substances
• Allowing counties to opt out of sales by voting to become “dry” for hemp-derived THC products

What’s Next? 

SB 3 is now headed to the full House, but the final outcome remains uncertain. Industry leaders and advocates are calling on lawmakers to support a regulated hemp market rather than a ban, arguing that sensible oversight protects public safety and preserves economic opportunity.

Lt. Governor Patrick has indicated that he may call a special session if SB 3 fails to pass. Whether he supports the House’s revised version is unclear, but given his prior stance, alignment seems unlikely.

One thing is certain: the outcome of this legislative session will shape the future of Texas’ hemp industry. All eyes are on the House—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As the industry continues to shift, businesses need reliable data and regulatory insights to stay ahead—this is where CannaSpyglass can help. Get started at the link below.