Texas Lawmakers Fail to Pass Hemp THC Rules During Second Special Session

Texas lawmakers failed to pass an intoxicating hemp products proposal before the Legislature's second special session this year ended. The year’s second special legislative session in Texas ended last week with lawmakers having again failed to reach an agreement to regulate intoxicating hemp products.

The Legislature passed a proposal banning the sale of hemp-derived THC earlier in the year. However, Gov. Greg Abbott (R), facing pressure from hemp business owners and supporters, vetoed the proposal and called on lawmakers to revisit the issue in a subsequent special session.

During the first session, state senators quickly passed another outright ban on hemp THC. However, the Senate proposal failed to advance in the House, where representatives have looked to regulate intoxicating hemp products similar to alcohol, as the governor suggested in his veto message.

The first session ended with no progress, and the governor called the second session immediately. Republican lawmakers were able to legislate several key parts of the party’s platform, including a controversial redistricting plan to pick up votes in the U.S. House of Representatives, but the intoxicating hemp issue remained untouched.

When asked by reporters about whether he would call another special session to address the hemp products issue, the governor said, “Stay tuned. Something may be happening soon,” FOX 7 reports.

If lawmakers do not return for another special session, the next regular legislative session in Texas isn’t scheduled until 2027.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who made banning hemp THC products one of his top priorities this year, said, “My position remains unchanged; the Senate and I are for a total THC ban.