By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
It’s not often a Texas governor vetoes a bill that passed with support from both parties—but that’s exactly what happened on June 22, 2025, when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3. The bill would have banned most hemp-derived THC products statewide, including Delta-8 and Delta-9. Now, with a special session looming and local shop owners breathing a sigh of relief, the veto has sparked fresh debate—especially in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.
What Senate Bill 3 Proposed
Senate Bill 3, authored by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), aimed to redefine the legal THC limit in hemp to 0.3% total THC—effectively banning most intoxicating hemp products like Delta-8 and Delta-9. The bill passed both chambers with broad support from lawmakers who argued these products were poorly regulated and too easily accessible to minors. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the bill a Senate priority, casting it as a public safety measure.
Why Gov. Abbott Vetoed the Bill
In his official veto statement, Gov. Abbott cited concerns over the bill’s enforceability and constitutionality, stating:
“While Senate Bill 3 is well-intentioned to protect children from potentially harmful consumable hemp products, it is also clear that the bill is too broad and could be challenged in court, resulting in a prolonged legal battle and uncertainty.”
Abbott also announced a special legislative session beginning July 21, 2025, to address the regulation of hemp products in a more narrowly tailored manner.
Local Reactions: Economic Concerns in TX-03
The veto was welcomed by several Collin County CBD shops that rely heavily on hemp-derived THC products.
“It would hit us hard,” said one McKinney shop manager. “About 90% of our stock is Delta-8 and Delta-9. A full ban would gut our inventory—and hurt our customers.”
He added that many regulars—veterans and chronic pain sufferers—use Delta products for anxiety, PTSD, and sleep, without the risks of prescription drugs.
“Take these products away, and you’re pushing people toward dangerous options. Nobody wants that.”
Zar Wellness, another business based in Collin County, echoed similar concerns. CEO Asad Shalami said nearly 80% of their products contain some level of THC.
“If a full ban went into effect, we would be forced to close our doors and over 50 employees would’ve lost their jobs and health benefits—not only for themselves but for their families,” Shalami said.
He added that their customers include “parents who give pure CBD to their children for seizures or autism, and 95-year-old grandparents who rely on topicals and tinctures for joint pain and inflammation.” He emphasized that most clients are not seeking a high, but rather therapeutic relief for issues like anxiety, stress, PTSD, and sleep disorders.
“We’ve been calling for common-sense regulations since we started our business five years ago,” Shalami said. “These products should only be sold in reputable, trustworthy establishments—not in gas stations where staff may not understand proper dosages or safety standards.”
He also noted: “We’ve followed strict third-party testing, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging—everything. But we’re still being lumped in with bad actors. We need oversight, not elimination.”
Both businesses voiced support for tighter rules—such as age restrictions, proper labeling, and product testing—but opposed a total ban.
Supporters of the Ban Cite Health and Safety
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other backers of Senate Bill 3 argue that unregulated hemp-derived THC products pose serious health risks, particularly to minors.
During his June press conference, Patrick cited support from medical organizations like the Texas Pediatric Society and Texas Medical Association, and referenced incidents involving youth and THC products—including seven students hospitalized after consuming THC gummies at a Prosper graduation, and a 15-year-old who “shot his mother three times after having gummies.”
“The best way to protect the adults and the children is to ban the product,” Patrick said. “You cannot regulate 8 to 9,000 locations—we do not have enough law enforcement to do so.”
What Comes Next?
Despite the veto, the issue is far from settled. Gov. Abbott’s call for a special session signals that new legislation may soon be introduced. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed interest in pursuing more narrowly tailored regulation of hemp-derived THC.Gov Abbott Vetoes SB 3—Local Impact in TX-03
For Texas’ 3rd Congressional District—which includes McKinney, Plano, Allen, and surrounding areas—the stakes are high. The region is home to numerous CBD shops, wellness centers, and veterans who rely on these products for pain management.
Shalami warned that a full ban would have major consequences:
“We would be forced to close our doors,” he said. “over 50 employees would’ve lost their jobs and health benefits—not only for themselves but for their families.”
As the state continues to debate the legality and safety of hemp-derived THC, residents and business owners in TX-03 will be watching closely—with their health, livelihoods, and legislative representation hanging in the balance.