Texas Lawmakers to Revisit Hemp Product Ban in Upcoming Special Session
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for a second special legislative session to address intoxicating hemp product restrictions after the first session failed due to a legislative walkout by Democrats.
- Abbott criticized Democrats for halting legislative progress, particularly on hemp regulations and redistricting, and intends to keep pushing the same agenda with potential additions.
- Despite an earlier veto by Abbott of a bill banning most consumable hemp products—due to opposition from hemp businesses and consumers—the Texas Senate is advancing new restrictions on hemp-derived products like delta-8 and delta-9.
- Public opinion strongly supports access to hemp products, with nearly 80% of Texans favoring legalization, creating a divide between voter preferences and legislative actions.
Texas lawmakers will once again consider whether to restrict intoxicating hemp products, as Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has called for another special legislative session “immediately” after the current one failed to advance.
Abbott’s move follows gridlock in the Legislature, where Democratic lawmakers staged a walkout to block a Republican redistricting plan, preventing the passage of other bills, including hemp regulations.
“The Special Session #2 agenda will have the exact same agenda, with the potential to add more items critical to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state and abandoned their duty.”
Earlier this year, lawmakers approved a measure to effectively ban most consumable hemp products, but Abbott vetoed it after strong pushback from hemp businesses and consumers. Industry advocates argued the proposal would devastate small businesses and cut off access to products widely used for wellness and recreational purposes.
Despite Abbott’s veto, the Texas Senate last month advanced another bill seeking to heavily restrict hemp-derived products such as delta-8 and delta-9 consumables. The House Public Health Committee heard testimony on the measure this week, though the chamber has been unable to advance legislation amid the political standoff.
Meanwhile, public opinion strongly favors keeping hemp products available. A recent statewide poll found nearly 80% of Texans support legal access to hemp-derived products, highlighting a growing disconnect between lawmakers and voters on the issue.
With Abbott vowing to keep calling special sessions until his priorities are passed, the future of Texas’ hemp industry remains uncertain.
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