Gov. Greg Abbott is now hinting that Texas may be headed back to Austin for another round in the ongoing fight over THC.
After proponents failed to deliver a statewide ban on hemp-derived THC products, as previously covered by DX, Abbott told reporters last week to “stay tuned” when asked whether he would summon the Lone Star State’s lawmakers again to push the ban.
The governor’s comments represent the latest development in a debate between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and some Senate Republicans, who are advocating for a complete ban on hemp products, and House leaders, along with business owners, who support regulating these products instead of imposing a total ban on THC.
Abbott himself vetoed a total ban earlier this summer, but has also indicated he supports tougher restrictions on hemp products.
The uncertainty has rattled the state’s $8 billion hemp market, which includes smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations, and smaller family-owned businesses that rely heavily on sales of gummies, drinks, and flower containing THC.
Advocates previously warned that a ban would devastate more than 50,000 jobs statewide, while also taking away wellness products that veterans and chronic pain patients use daily.
Some retailers breathed a sigh of relief recently when the second special session ended without any new restrictions on THC.
Still, store managers say the damage has already begun. A ban on THC vape pens, which took effect September 1, has cut into revenues, with some shops reporting up to a 20% drop in sales, per The Texas Tribune.
While Patrick continues to call for a ban, other lawmakers have floated various potential measures, such as banning sales to anyone under 21. Big hemp retailers, reportedly, have said they already enforce those limits voluntarily and would welcome an official age restriction.
Abbott has also backed age limits as a possible middle ground or compromise to a total ban. Yet, the governor has left the door open to stronger action if lawmakers cannot agree, telling Fox News last week that “something may be happening soon.”
For patients, small businesses, and hemp advocates, the stakes remain high. Prohibition could wipe out much of the hemp industry just as the state expands its strictly regulated medical marijuana program.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, that expansion will add nine new medical dispensary licenses in December, with another round set for 2026. But under current law, medical cannabis access remains limited to Texans within a narrow list of conditions, such as epilepsy, autism, or terminal cancer.