In a surprise move, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 on Sunday, a Republican-led proposal to ban recreational cannabis products, just one hour before the deadline. The veto pits Abbott against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who strongly supported the bill.
Abbott said the bill, though “well-intentioned,” would likely be struck down in court for violating the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp nationwide. He argued that a failed ban would do more harm than good, stating it would leave Texas without any regulation over a rapidly growing cannabis gray market.
The veto came just one day after Abbott signed H.B. 46, expanding Texas’ medical marijuana program and allowing broader access to cannabis products like vaporizers.
Patrick blasted the veto as a betrayal of law enforcement, educators, and families harmed by drug abuse, saying it abandoned nearly all Republicans in the legislature who supported the bill.
Abbott announced a special legislative session in July to revisit cannabis regulation.
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