The Texas Senate has voted by an overwhelming majority to pass so-called ‘hemp killing’ legislation, seeing the newly repackaged SB-6 head to the House amid ongoing political turmoil in the state.
In what is now the third attempt by lawmakers to pass this controversial hemp regulation, which would ban ‘any detectable amount of any cannabinoid’ other than CBD and CBG, the Senate fast-tracked voting during a second special session yesterday.
The SB-6 bill was rebranded, but it is nearly identical to SB-5. It passed 22-8 within minutes of starting the session without public hearings.
SB-3 was passed by the Texas legislature during its regular session, earlier this year.
Abbott’s veto of SB-3 was effective on 22 June 2025. The bill passed both chambers but Abbott believed that regulation, and not prohibition, would be the most appropriate way to respond to the concerns regarding product safety, as well as youth access.
In July, a special legislative session was convened and Senator Charles Perry re-filed a bill that is nearly identical to SB-5. With the support of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick the bill passed quickly in the Senate.
Read More: Texas Edges closer to Total THC Ban Raising Alarms across US Hemp Sector
The lower chamber was effectively shut down by a walkout in which a large number of House Democrats protested a GOP gerrymandering scheme.
Senate Republicans, in August with the House back in session and a second session of special sessions underway, reintroduced HB-6, another bill, to ban hemp.
SB-6 will now be considered by the Texas House. The bill must be sent to the Governor by September 3, if lawmakers want to retain their power to override an additional potential veto.
Abbott has the final say if that deadline passes, without any risk of a legislative reverse, which is something Texas hadn’t seen since 1979.
Texas is home to one of the most important hemp industries both in the US and worldwide. It supports over 50,000 workers and has a value between $6 and $10 billion.
The multibillion-dollar future of this industry hangs on a single thread.