Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed legislation on Sunday that sought to ban all THC consumables, permitting the state's substantial market for THC-infused vapes, gummies, and other products to continue operations. Abbott, a Republican, announced the veto at the last moment, rejecting what would have been one of the nation's most stringent THC restrictions and protecting an industry worth billions of dollars.

The proposed bill aimed to criminalize the ownership, manufacture, or sale of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana. If enacted, the law would have made these activities misdemeanors in Texas, representing a significant tightening of THC regulation following the 2018 federal legalization of hemp. Hemp, chemically similar to marijuana, can be processed synthetically to produce THC, leading to loopholes that have allowed THC-infused products to proliferate even in states with strict marijuana prohibitions.

Texas maintains some of the toughest marijuana regulations nationwide, prohibiting recreational use entirely and providing only limited medical marijuana access. Yet, THC consumables have offered a legal alternative, allowing Texans to experience effects similar to those of marijuana.

Advocates of the ban, predominantly Republican lawmakers, argued that THC consumables pose risks due to inadequate federal oversight of production standards. They contended that unregulated THC-infused products could endanger consumers.

Opponents, however, emphasized that THC products offer crucial relief for individuals unable to access marijuana through Texas's restrictive medical program. Retailers across the state also emphasized the economic significance of the THC consumables market, highlighting the thousands of jobs and millions of dollars generated annually.

Similar legislative efforts have emerged in other states, often involving restrictions rather than outright bans. For instance, California has established age limits and potency caps on THC products. Last year, Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill proposing age restrictions on THC consumables, citing concerns about adverse impacts on small businesses.