Victory in Texas! Governor Abbott VETOES SB3

Last night, in a historic win for the hemp industry, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed SB 3, legislation that would have devastated hemp farmers and small businesses across the state.

In his veto message, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of regulating hemp in a way that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, and is enforceable without delay. We couldn’t agree more.

Full Statement from Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, U.S. Hemp Roundtable:

Last night’s gubernatorial veto of hemp-killing SB 3 in Texas should prove to be a seminal moment for hemp farmers and businesses across the country. Members of Congress, Governors and state legislators must take notice that hemp bans are not only bad policy, but they are also deeply unpopular, even among the most conservative voters in a red state like Texas.
 
With a special session that will tackle this issue on July 21, the correct response is robust regulation, not misguided prohibition. Governor Greg Abbott, who took this wise and historic action, said it best in his veto statement: “Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure, and can take effect without delay.”
 
The U.S. hemp industry is deeply grateful to Governor Abbott, but even more grateful to the Texas hemp organizations that led this fight, and especially to the hundreds of thousands of Texas Hemp Supporters who made their voices heard over the past several weeks.  We will remain united in our advocacy to ensure that the Texas legislature heeds the Governor’s directive to pass legislation during the special session that is “strict, fair and legally sustainable.”

This victory was only possible because of the tireless efforts of Texas advocates and the overwhelming response from Hemp Supporters like you, but our work isn’t done.

Texas lawmakers are expected to revisit hemp regulation in a special session beginning July 21. We will continue to fight for fair, science-based, and enforceable rules, not harmful bans.

Stay tuned for updates and future action alerts. And, as always, thank you for your advocacy!