Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session

A hemp plant at Caprock Family Farms in Lubbock on May 23, 2025. (Credit: Annie Rice for The Texas Tribune)

Texas lawmakers this year heavily focused their drug policy agenda on banning tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, products in the state.

Senate Bill 3, which prohibits the possession of consumable hemp products that contain any synthetic cannabinoid, often known as delta-8, was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who often denounced the effects of the drug on children. As a concession of sorts to veterans and THC users with chronic conditions, House Bill 46 also passed, expanding the state’s medical marijuana program by providing more products to users and adding more qualifying conditions.