Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke out against Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to veto Senate Bill 3, which would have banned hemp‑derived THC products in Texas.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Abbott vetoed the bill late on Sunday and claimed that “Texans on each side of the Senate Bill 3 debate raise serious concerns,” adding that there would be “valid constitutional challenges” if it is passed.
Although Abbott clearly outlined his thoughts on the controversial legislation, Patrick still seemed confused about the decision to veto the bill.
“He said, ‘Don’t worry about the bill.’ He said, ‘Your bill is fine.’ That’s what he told me in front of witnesses. In fact, he asked a couple of lawyers on my staff—he said, ‘Can you give me some answers I can give? Because when I sign this, I need some answers to give,’” Patrick claimed.
“So what happened? Who convinced him—on his staff, on the outside—to kill Senate Bill 3?” Patrick asked.
Patrick also made unwieldy claims about the governor and industry, stating that Abbott’s pro-marijuana agenda has clouded his vision on this topic.
“It puzzles me why my friend Governor Greg Abbott would, at the last minute, about 22 minutes after 11 p.m., decide to veto this bill,” he said. “One can only come to this conclusion, which surprises me: the governor of the state of Texas wants to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas.”
Patrick proceeded to point to the alleged dangers of the THC industry in Texas, seemingly wondering about whether the shops are being run by terrorist organizations.
“Here’s the other thing. We have no idea who’s making this product. Are they terrorists? Is this a terrorist money-laundering scheme in Texas? Is it a cartel money laundering scheme?”
Patrick also claimed that the majority of lawmakers supported the implementation of SB 3, but he failed to address the feelings of Texas residents, whom the lawmakers represent.
Recent polls about this controversial topic indicate that the vast majority of Texas residents opposed SB 3.
A poll conducted at the end of May by Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio and Lee found that 70% of Texans would support THC products remaining legal in the state with strict regulations, according to KVUE.
Additionally, the poll found that 59% of Republicans would support full legalization over a full ban of THC products.
Despite these polling numbers, Patrick said that he will continue to fight against the legalization of marijuana in Texas, adding that it is a fight that he is willing to lose his job over.
“I’m not mad at the governor, but I’m not going to legalize marijuana in Texas,” he said.
“If people want to vote me out of office for that, so be it. I’m not gonna do it.”