THC Regulation in Texas Remains in Limbo Amid Capitol Uncertainty

Despite a recent public shift in tone from Governor Greg Abbott, the regulation of THC products in Texas remains unresolved, with sharp divisions between the House, Senate, and the governor’s office. Abbott, who previously issued a detailed five-page veto message advocating for the regulation, not prohibition, of THC products, appeared to reverse course in a series of recent interviews. Sources close to the governor suggest he may have simply misspoken, leaving lawmakers and staff scrambling to interpret his stance.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continues to push for a sweeping ban on THC products, a position largely unsupported by lawmakers and the public. Notably, the Senate’s proposed ban is not on the governor’s official call for the special session, rendering it likely non-germane in both chambers. While Patrick maintains influence over the Senate, his leverage over the House is diminishing, and speculation is mounting that he may soon step down, with rumors of an announcement expected in September, as reported by the Quorum Report.

Meanwhile, the House appears to be moving forward with a regulatory approach consistent with Abbott’s original veto message. Multiple bills are reportedly in development and are expected to go through the Public Health Committee, chaired by Rep. Gary Van Deaver. The committee includes six Democrats, all of whom previously opposed a full ban on THC products. With little political incentive to support prohibition and no clear path for Patrick to force the issue, the House seems poised to pass a regulatory framework focused on preventing access to minors.

The future of THC policy in Texas now hinges on Senate action, or inaction. If Patrick remains entrenched and blocks regulatory proposals from the House, the current legal ambiguity surrounding THC products is likely to persist. Until then, uncertainty continues to define the state’s approach.