Texas Governor Rejects Cannabis Ban, Sparking Division

In a surprising last-minute decision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) declined to fully ban recreational cannabis, a move backed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R), resulting in an unusual divide among state leaders.

Just an hour before the deadline on Sunday, Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 and called for a special legislative session in mid-July to tackle the chaotic cannabis market in the state.

This decision followed Abbott’s signing of House Bill 46 the day prior, which significantly broadened the state’s medical cannabis program. The new law permits dispensaries statewide, adds various new qualifying conditions, and introduces products like vaporizers.

Senate Bill 3, which was passed last month amidst heated debates, was seen by some—like the Houston Chronicle—as indicative of a “civil war” between medical and recreational cannabis advocates. Up until Sunday, it seemed that medical advocates had the upper hand.

In response to the veto, Patrick expressed strong disapproval, criticizing Abbott’s late-night decision. “He feels his veto is out of touch with numerous supporters in law enforcement, health, and education who have witnessed the detrimental effects of these drugs on families,” Patrick stated.

However, in his rejection statement, Abbott acknowledged similar concerns but maintained that the proposed measure, while “well-intentioned,” would ultimately undermine efforts to regulate the state’s flourishing hemp market.

Abbott argued that the bill he vetoed would likely face legal challenges. He referenced the Republican-backed 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and enabled the existing marijuana gray market, stating it doesn’t allow for restrictions on hemp sales.

“We would be making illegal what Congress has allowed, setting state and federal laws in opposition,” Abbott wrote. He noted that a federal judge had blocked a similar ban attempted in Arkansas.

He further claimed that if Senate Bill 3 were quickly struck down in court, it would leave children at greater risk compared to if the law had never been introduced, arguing that the issue would only worsen.

Abbott mentioned that Congress would have an opportunity to regulate the cannabis industry later this summer.