Texas’ THC War Heats Up, Again, Here’s What You Need to Know About SB5

One of the biggest stories from the recent legislative session in Texas was the war over THC in the Lone Star State. Senate Bill 3 was pushed through both houses of the legislature, and it almost looked like there would be a full ban on all THC products.

Then something happened that some people never saw coming. Governor Abbott, at the last second, vetoed the bill. He called for regulation instead of a ban and urged the legislature to reconvene for a special session.

Now, that special session is upon us. If you thought the war over THC in Texas was over, you couldn't be more wrong.

What is Senate Bill 5 proposing?

The special session has seen the introduction of a bill titled Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 tackles the issue of THC products and what is legal in Texas. This bill would make it so that only CBD and CBG products are legal in the state. It bears many similarities to the bill vetoed by Abbott.

READ MORE: Texas Senate Bill Would Ban All THC Products In The Lone Star State

This bill looks like another all-out ban of THC. It would also impose criminal penalties not just for the sale of these products, but also for the possession and consumption of them.

Regulation Alternative: House Bill 160

Today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the bill goes before a Senate State Affairs Committee for a public hearing. Activists have been scrambling since there was little notice given.

READ MORE: 7 of The New 2025 Laws Every Texan Should Know About

There is hope for those wanting regulation instead of a ban. House Bill 160 would set guidelines for how low-THC products sold in Texas would be labeled. These labels would include everything from health warnings to a certification that the product contains not more than 0.3% THC.

The battle is far from over. Time will tell if we see an outright ban of THC in Texas, or if we get the regulated industry that most people, including the Governor, want.