1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to veto Senate Bill 3 (SB3), which would ban hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 and delta-9 that are currently legal under federal and state law. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has argued these products are “intoxicating” and “unregulated,” but SB3 represents a sweeping overreach that will devastate small businesses, eliminate thousands of jobs, and criminalize a product demonstrably safer than alcohol—all while solving none of the problems its supporters claim. Lt. Governor Patrick’s assertion that these products are “untested” and “dangerous” ignores the reality that Texas already has robust regulations under the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which requires testing for potency and contaminants [DSHS, 2022]. Many retailers voluntarily adhere to even stricter standards, including third-party lab verification, child-proof packaging, and dosage labeling. Economically, the damage will be immense. The Texas hemp industry generated an estimated $8 billion in sales in 2023 and supported more than 50,000 jobs statewide [Texas Hemp Coalition, 2024]. SB3 would destroy this ecosystem overnight. Thousands of independent retailers, many in rural and economically vulnerable communities, will be forced to close. Texas will also lose millions in sales tax revenue—money that helps fund schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Contrary to Lt. Governor Patrick’s characterization, hemp-derived THC products are often used responsibly by adults and medically by those suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety—especially veterans and individuals who cannot access or afford products through the limited Compassionate Use Program. A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open found that users of hemp-derived delta-8 report similar therapeutic benefits as cannabis users, with significantly fewer reports of paranoia or anxiety [JAMA, 2022]. Most importantly, these products are objectively safer than alcohol. The CDC reports that alcohol contributes to over 140,000 deaths per year in the U.S., while there are zero recorded fatalities from THC overdose [CDC, 2022]. To criminalize hemp-derived THC while allowing unfettered access to alcohol is not just illogical—it’s hypocritical. SB3 is not about safety; it’s about control. It punishes law-abiding Texans, strips patients of medicine, and hands over another piece of personal liberty to the state. Texas voters support cannabis access—medical and otherwise. SB3 ignores this will in favor of regressive policy that will harm, not help, our state. Governor Abbott, please veto SB3. Preserve jobs, protect patient access, and stand against unnecessary government overreach.