Texas lawmakers will once again consider whether to restrict intoxicating hemp products, as Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has called for another special legislative session “immediately” after the current one failed to advance.
Abbott’s move follows gridlock in the Legislature, where Democratic lawmakers staged a walkout to block a Republican redistricting plan, preventing the passage of other bills, including hemp regulations.
“The Special Session #2 agenda will have the exact same agenda, with the potential to add more items critical to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state and abandoned their duty.”
Earlier this year, lawmakers approved a measure to effectively ban most consumable hemp products, but Abbott vetoed it after strong pushback from hemp businesses and consumers. Industry advocates argued the proposal would devastate small businesses and cut off access to products widely used for wellness and recreational purposes.
Despite Abbott’s veto, the Texas Senate last month advanced another bill seeking to heavily restrict hemp-derived products such as delta-8 and delta-9 consumables. The House Public Health Committee heard testimony on the measure this week, though the chamber has been unable to advance legislation amid the political standoff.
Meanwhile, public opinion strongly favors keeping hemp products available. A recent statewide poll found nearly 80% of Texans support legal access to hemp-derived products, highlighting a growing disconnect between lawmakers and voters on the issue.
With Abbott vowing to keep calling special sessions until his priorities are passed, the future of Texas’ hemp industry remains uncertain.
