1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your decision to veto Senate Bill 3. Your action has preserved economic freedom, protected public safety, and upheld the rights of countless Texans who responsibly use federally legal hemp-derived products. SB3 threatened to dismantle a $4.3 billion industry that supports over 50,000 jobs and provides valuable products to Texans, including veterans, farmers, and small business owners. By rejecting this prohibition, you have prevented the criminalization of lawful consumers and ensured that Texas avoids a return to unregulated black markets, which would have undermined public health and safety. Your veto demonstrates a commitment to sensible regulation over heavy-handed bans, aligning with the will of Texans who overwhelmingly support cannabis policy reform, as shown by recent polls. As you noted in your veto statement, SB3’s blanket ban would have created constitutional challenges and conflicted with federal law. Your leadership in choosing freedom over prohibition strengthens Texas’ economy and respects individual liberties. Freedom, as you’ve shown, is a principle worth defending, even when it’s not the safest path. Thank you for listening to the voices of Texans, including the Texas Hemp Business Council, veterans, and advocates who delivered thousands of letters and petitions urging this veto. I appreciate your courage and look forward to supporting policies that continue to prioritize freedom, innovation, and prosperity in our great state.