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July 28, 2025

Tracking SB5: The New Texas Bill That Could Kill Hemp

Home > Blog > Tracking SB5: The New Texas Bill That Could Kill Hemp

On July 22, Texans rejoiced as Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 (SB3), a bill that would outlaw hemp-derived THC and kill an entire industry. Now, during the Special Session, which started on July 21, 2025, a new hemp-killing bill has come into play—SB5.

Get involved in the fight and read below for the latest news on this new bill that endangers hemp-derived THC in the Lone Star State.

SB5 Timeline

Stay up-to-date as we post the latest news, developments, and updates on SB5.

July 30, 2025

SB5 Passes in the Texas Senate

In a 20-9 vote, the latest attempt to ban hemp-derived THC in Texas passed in the Senate. Next, it will head to the House, where the next steps include:

Being assigned to a committee for review
A House Committee Hearing where the public can testify, while the Committee can amend or block
A full House vote where a simple majority is needed to pass
A Conference Committee (if amended) where the House and Senate can reconcile differences
Governor Abbott's desk, where he can sign, veto, or let the bill become a law without his signature
The bill will die if the House doesn't pass SB5 before the Special Session ends.

July 29, 2025

Texas Hemp Business Council Urges Lawmakers to Act Against SB5

In a press release from the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), the organization stated:

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Charles Perry, and Roland Gutierrez are looking to gift-wrap the entire cannabis market to a few select state-licensed marijuana companies
Their claims that the restrictive Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) is misleading and dangerous
While HB46 was an attempt to improve TCUP, it did little to expand access to the restrictive and expensive program
Hemp is legal and regulated under federal and state laws, providing accessible alternatives for relief
SB5 would destroy a $10 billion industry that supports over 53,000 jobs
Gov. Abbott's message was clear: regulate, don’t ban it
THBC supports a 21+ age limit, child-resistant packaging, and setbacks from schools

July 28, 2025

Senate Debate on SB5 Put on Hold for Wednesday, 7/30

Initially, the Senate debate for SB5 was supposed to take place on Monday, 7/28. However, the body convened and adjourned without taking action on any bills. The next meeting is expected to occur on Wednesday, 7/30.

July 25, 2025

15 House Democrats Leave Texas to Deny Quorum

The House requires a certain number of votes to pass bills. Several House Democrats have fled the state for a redistricting vote, which may delay SB5's passage through the Texas House.

July 22, 2025

Unanimous Committee Vote

The Senate State Affairs Committee advances SB5 with a 10-0 vote following a fast-tracked hearing.

July 21, 2025

SB5 Introduced: Another Attempt to Ban Hemp THC

State Senator Charles Perry (the same author of SB3) filed Senate Bill 5 (SB5) on the first day of the Special Session. Like SB3, SB5 would essentially kill the hemp industry in Texas through:

Making the manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with the intent to provide consumable hemp products a third-degree felony
Banning any hemp product containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid other than cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG)
Making it a misdemeanor (180 days in jail, and a fine of not more than $2,000) to possess hemp products that contain THC

June 22, 2025 (Background)

Governor Greg Abbot Vetoes SB3

In a last-minute move, Gov. Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 (SB3), a piece of legislation passed by the House and Senate in the 89th Texas Legislature. He then called for a Special Session on July 21, 2025.