On Sunday night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made waves by vetoing SB 3, a bill that would have banned all THC in Texas. This move drew strong reactions, with many praising Abbott for his decision, while others, like Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, quickly criticized him.
What Did Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Say About the Veto?
Following the veto, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick held a press conference where he harshly criticized Abbott’s decision. Patrick argued that the veto wasn’t just about SB 3, but rather about Governor Abbott’s stance on the broader issue of legalizing recreational marijuana in Texas.
According to Patrick, Abbott’s veto was a signal that the governor supported the legalization of recreational marijuana, even suggesting that Abbott wanted to regulate marijuana sales similar to the way Texas regulates liquor sales through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Patrick repeatedly stated that Abbott’s actions were part of a bigger push toward making recreational marijuana legal in the state, which sparked further debate about the future of cannabis laws in Texas.
Does Governor Abbott Support Recreational Marijuana?
Despite the claims from Lt. Governor Patrick, the truth is that Governor Greg Abbott does not support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Texas. Abbott’s veto of SB 3 doesn’t signal a move toward full legalization, but rather an effort to regulate THC products, particularly to ensure that kids do not have access to low-dose THC and hemp products.
Currently, THC products with less than 0.3% THC are legal in Texas. Abbott’s priority seems to be regulating these products to prevent misuse, not pushing for the full legalization of recreational marijuana, as Patrick suggests. Abbott has emphasized the importance of protecting young people from access to THC products while allowing legal hemp products to be available for adults under strict regulations.
What Will Happen Next?
Governor Abbott has called for a special session of the Texas legislature, set to begin on July 21, to discuss further regulations on THC products. During this session, lawmakers will focus on how to ensure that low-dose THC and hemp products cannot be accessed by minors. The Lt. Governor, on the other hand, has argued that the state should go further and ban all THC, not just regulate it.
It’s clear that the debate over how to handle THC products and marijuana in Texas is far from over, with both sides strongly defending their positions. However, legalizing recreational marijuana in Texas is not currently on the table, and Governor Abbott’s veto does not signal any immediate shift toward full legalization.