# Texas Governor Greg Abbott Vetoes Controversial Hemp Ban, Calls for Immediate Regulation
By Jenna Morales | Capitol Correspondent | June 23, 2025
In a stunning and decisive move that has rippled across both political and agricultural circles, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed a controversial bill that sought to ban the sale and production of hemp-derived products, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC items. Instead, Abbott is calling for a “common-sense, regulatory framework” to govern the booming industry.
The now-vetoed bill, HB 3944, had passed the Texas Legislature by narrow margins, sparking outrage from farmers, entrepreneurs, veterans, and patients who rely on hemp-based products for pain relief and anxiety. The bill aimed to completely outlaw the sale of all psychoactive hemp derivatives in Texas, citing public health and youth access concerns. Critics, however, warned it would devastate small businesses and kill a growing multi-billion-dollar sector.
Abbott’s veto statement, released late Monday evening, was both firm and forward-thinking.
> “This bill goes too far. It punishes lawful Texans, damages our agricultural economy, and drives innovation out of our state,” Abbott said. “I will not support blanket bans that fail to distinguish between responsible commerce and bad actors. Regulation is the path forward—not prohibition.”
Abbott’s move is being hailed as a landmark moment for Texas’ hemp industry, which since the 2019 legalization of industrial hemp has exploded with more than 2,500 licensed growers and over 1,000 retailers operating across the state. Many of these businesses sell hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, which exists in a legal gray area due to its chemical distinction from marijuana.
Industry leaders praised the decision as not only economically sound but morally grounded.
> “Governor Abbott just saved thousands of jobs today,” said Maya Holcomb, CEO of Lone Star Botanicals in Austin. “But more than that, he’s saying Texas won’t bow to fear. We’ll lead with logic and science.”
Veteran groups and medical advocates also voiced strong support, noting that hemp-derived products have helped thousands manage PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain without relying on opioids or marijuana.
> “This isn’t about getting high—it’s about healing,” said U.S. Army veteran Eric Valdez, who has used Delta-8 for his service-related injuries. “Abbott’s veto is a victory for Texas veterans.”
Still, not everyone is pleased. Anti-drug advocacy groups and some school officials criticized the decision, warning of an uptick in youth consumption.
> “We’re disappointed. These substances are accessible and dangerous to minors,” said Carla Mendez, spokesperson for Texas Youth Health Now. “Regulation sounds good, but enforcement must be strong.”
In response, Abbott has proposed an emergency task force made up of industry leaders, law enforcement, health officials, and legislators to craft regulations within 60 days. Suggested policies include:
Strict age verification protocols
Product labeling and testing requirements
Licensing for processors and retailers
Clear penalties for non-compliance
Political analysts say the veto signals Abbott’s shift toward moderate, business-friendly governance as he eyes national leadership roles. With 2026 looming and increasing calls for federal cannabis reform, Texas now stands at the center of America’s evolving approach to hemp.
> “Greg Abbott just put Texas at the forefront of a national conversation,” said Dr. Alan Reston, a political science professor at UT Austin. “This veto wasn’t just policy—it was strategy.”
As the dust settles and the regulatory process begins, one thing is clear: the hemp industry in Texas lives on, and under Governor Abbott’s watch, it may be on the verge of becoming a national model.
