Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has publicly condemned Republican Governor Greg Abbott for vetoing Senate Bill 3, a measure that aimed to ban dangerous THC products. The bill, which had widespread support from the legislature, including a majority of Republicans, was met with approval from law enforcement and medical professionals who cited its potential to protect public health. However, Abbott’s late-night decision has drawn criticism from Patrick, who accused the governor of abandoning the cause, particularly after a long period of silence on the issue.
Patrick’s frustration was evident in his social media post, where he expressed disappointment that Abbott, who had previously remained quiet on the bill, chose to oppose it at the last minute. He emphasized the bill’s wide support, including from 105 of 108 Republicans, and called it a measure backed by law enforcement and medical professionals. This has intensified the debate over marijuana regulation and law enforcement capabilities in Texas.
Meanwhile, Abbott’s veto proclamation described the bill as ‘well-intentioned’ but warned about potential constitutional challenges that might prevent it from taking effect. The governor argued that Texas must act decisively to regulate hemp and protect both minors and adults from products that may be more dangerous than expected. Despite his stance, the veto has not gone unchallenged, with Patrick accusing Abbott of pursuing marijuana legalization instead of strict regulation. The ongoing debate reflects deeper divisions within the GOP and the state’s approach to cannabis policy, with opposing voices highlighting the complexity of balancing public health concerns with economic interests and legal enforcement.