AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has until June 22 to decide the fate of two high-profile cannabis-related bills as the 89th Texas Legislature concluded its regular session at the state capitol.

The work of the legislature is now complete, but the future of several key bills remains uncertain as focus shifts to the governor’s office. Among the most closely watched legislation are House Bill 46, which would expand the state’s medical marijuana program, and Senate Bill 3, which would ban the sale of THC products in Texas.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has championed the THC ban, positioning the issue as a public health concern. 

“Look, they’re all going to file lawsuits. We know that’s going to happen. These are bad actors. These are people who want to kill your kids, and they don’t give a damn,” Patrick said on May 28.

However, a coalition of groups opposing Senate Bill 3 delivered boxes containing thousands of letters to Governor Abbott’s office today, urging him to veto the legislation. The opposition argues the bill would eliminate access to THC products for people experiencing trauma or chronic pain, including veterans.

“SB 3 is deeply flawed. It criminalizes veterans. It restricts access to the very tools that help save my life and countless others. Veto Senate Bill 3,” said Dave Walden, State Commander of the Texas VFW.

Since both bills were passed in the final ten days of the legislative session, Governor Abbott has until June 22 to either sign or veto the measures.

The THC product ban represented one of Lieutenant Governor Patrick’s key priorities for this session. Other successful initiatives that reached the governor’s desk include the school voucher program, teacher pay raises, bail reform, and property tax relief.