🚨 Texas House Passes Hemp-Derived THC Ban — Now Awaits Governor’s Signature
5-22-2025 Austin, Texas: A new wave of regulation is about to hit the shelves across Texas. In a move that could significantly alter the state’s growing hemp industry, the Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill that bans the sale of many popular hemp-derived THC products. The legislation, already approved by the Senate, now heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.
If signed into law, this bill will bring a swift end to retail sales of Delta-8, Delta-9 (hemp-derived), Delta-10, HHC, and other psychoactive cannabinoids that have gained widespread popularity since the 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp.
What’s in the Bill?
The legislation—Senate Bill 264 (SB 264)—aims to close loopholes that have allowed hemp-derived THC products to thrive in Texas, despite their intoxicating effects.
Under the bill:
- All intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids intended for consumption will be prohibited, regardless of form—gummies, vapes, beverages, tinctures, or edibles.
- Total THC content is limited to under 0.3% per finished product, a stricter interpretation than current rules.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be responsible for enforcement.
- Violators could face civil penalties, seizure of products, and license revocation.
When Could the Ban Begin?
The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Abbott in late May or early June. If signed without any emergency clauses, the law will go into effect September 1, 2025.
That gives business owners approximately 90 days to comply—by selling off inventory, ceasing distribution, or pivoting to non-intoxicating products.
What Does This Mean for Texas Businesses?
For the hundreds of shops across Texas—many independently owned—this law could have deep financial implications. From CBD boutiques to smoke shops and wellness brands, retailers who rely on hemp-derived THC products will need to:
- Remove or liquidate affected inventory by the effective date
- Review licenses and ensure compliance with new restrictions
- Avoid civil or criminal penalties by halting sales after enforcement begins
- Consider transitioning to non-psychoactive CBD products or relocating parts of their business
Businesses that don’t comply could face product seizures, loss of licenses, and fines. Some operators are already exploring opportunities in states with more permissive cannabis laws.
🪖 Sidebar: What About Veterans?
While the Texas Legislature moves to ban hemp-derived THC products, lawmakers like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick argue that the state is expanding access to safer, medically supervised alternatives—especially for veterans.
Patrick and other supporters of the ban have pointed to efforts to boost veteran access to Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (CUP) for medical marijuana, and to state-funded clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic showing promise for treating PTSD and opioid addiction.
🎖️ Veterans & Medical Cannabis in Texas:
Veterans may qualify for low-THC cannabis (under 1%) if diagnosed with:
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, or other approved conditions
To access the program:
- Visit a CUP-registered physician
- Receive a diagnosis and entry into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas
- Fill the prescription through one of Texas' licensed dispensaries (no ID card needed)
⚠️ Note: The program does not cover VA care and does not allow smoking or cultivation.
Critics say access remains limited and expensive—but for now, it’s the state’s official path for veterans seeking cannabis-based relief.
Looking Ahead
This legislation is part of a larger national conversation around hemp, cannabis, and public safety. For now, Texas is drawing a hard line—putting product innovation and local entrepreneurship at odds with state policy.
For business owners and consumers alike, this marks a turning point in how Texas defines and controls the cannabis-adjacent market.
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