Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has voiced strong disapproval of Governor Greg Abbott’s recent veto of Senate Bill 3, which aimed to ban THC products in the state. The veto, announced on Sunday, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the newly expanded Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), which Abbott signed into law just two days prior.
Senate Bill 3 sought to prohibit the sale and possession of THC consumables, including hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC, and introduced stricter penalties for violations. Patrick, a long-time supporter of SB 3, argued that the governor’s decision undermines the progress made in medical marijuana legislation in Texas.
House Bill 46, signed by Abbott on Friday, expands TCUP to include patients suffering from a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, and PTSD, in addition to previously qualifying ailments like epilepsy and cancer. This legislation also allows for new delivery methods, including vapor and aerosol products.
Patrick criticized the effectiveness of the TCUP, stating that the program has become ‘worthless’ due to the veto. He emphasized that if individuals can simply visit smoke shops to obtain THC products, they are unlikely to seek out the benefits of the Compassionate Use Program. ‘Who’s going to go there now when they can go to any smoke shop and get what they want?’ Patrick questioned.
He further expressed concern over the safety and regulation of THC products currently available in Texas. During a press conference, Patrick raised doubts about the origins of these products, questioning whether they could be linked to criminal activities. He mentioned that claims regarding testing and regulation by the Department of Health Services (DHS) are misleading, expressing skepticism about the legitimacy of many vendors.
In light of the ongoing debate, Governor Abbott has announced a special session set to begin on July 21, aiming to address regulatory measures for THC products instead of an outright ban. The special session will include discussions on SB 3 and potentially introduce regulations that could reshape the landscape of cannabis consumption in Texas.
As it currently stands, the TCUP has expanded its reach, and while the program has been praised for its inclusivity, Patrick’s criticism highlights a growing divide in how Texas lawmakers view the future of cannabis legislation. With the special session approaching, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how Abbott and the legislature navigate the complexities of THC regulation in the state.
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