The debate over whether Texas should ban the sale of hemp products containing THC returns to the state Capitol on Tuesday as a Senate committee begins examining the issue ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
At the direction of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee is holding a hearing to study the impact of THC products on health care costs and mental health detentions. The hearing is limited to invited testimony.
Patrick made banning consumable THC hemp products a top legislative priority during the 2025 session, but lawmakers ultimately did not enact a total prohibition. The interim hearing signals the issue is likely to return when the Legislature convenes in 2027.
Supporters of stricter regulations have argued that intoxicating hemp products pose public health and safety risks and have called for tighter oversight or an outright ban.
Opponents, including Sarah Todd of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, say they hope lawmakers will approach the issue with an open mind as they review testimony and consider potential policy changes.
The hearing comes as Texas' current hemp regulations remain the subject of ongoing court challenges, leaving the legal status of some THC products unresolved while litigation continues.
