Greg Abbott Backs THC Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products

Gov. Greg Abbott reportedly said Tuesday that he supports banning intoxicating hemp products, appearing to walk back his calls last month for lawmakers to regulate the state’s burgeoning THC industry like it does for alcohol.

In an interview with Impact News, Abbott said he wants to keep non-intoxicating products available but ban those that produce a “high”, the chief target of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the state Senate and pushed a proposed ban this spring – which Abbott vetoed.

BACKGROUND: Greg Abbott vetoes Texas THC ban, calls for special session to regulate hemp industry

“The only hemp product that’s going to be out there is non-intoxicating hemp, which is below 3 milligrams of THC,” Abbott said, according to Impact News.

Abbott was referencing the state’s existing 0.3% limit on Delta-9 THC concentration in hemp products, or 3 milligrams for every gram of products by dry weight. Other intoxicating cannabinoids, like Delta-8 or THC-A, are not currently subject to that threshold – meaning they can more easily be sold in quantities that produce a high.

The remarks were Abbott’s first public comments on THC since his veto on a full ban in June set off the special legislative session that began Monday. They came as a Texas Senate committee was actively considering a re-filed version of Senate Bill 3, the vetoed bill, on the Senate floor.

In his veto statement last month, Abbott called for a regulatory system that is "strict, fair and legally sustainable." and suggested lawmakers pass regulations similar to those in place for alcohol, such as prohibiting sales near schools and playgrounds, restricting access to those who are 21 and older and allowing strict enforcement by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

But Abbott did not appear to specify at the time the level of intoxication that he thought should be available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.