2025 Texas THC & CBD Laws: What’s Legal, What’s Not

The legal landscape for THC, CBD, and hemp products in Texas continues to shift as lawmakers clash over how to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids. In 2025, Texas senators advanced Senate Bill 6, renewing efforts to restrict access to hemp-derived THC—an effort that follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s veto of a similar proposal earlier in the summer.

Senate Bill 6, authored by Sen. Charles Perry, echoes earlier proposals to ban the sale of consumable hemp products containing any form of THC. Proponents argue these products pose health risks to children, while opponents warn of government overreach and job loss in a growing industry. As of August 2025, the bill passed the Senate in a 22‑8 vote and is awaiting consideration in the House (Axios, Statesman).

While hemp‑derived THC remains legal under the federal Farm Bill, the Texas Legislature appears committed to pushing for stricter rules or an outright ban. Governor Abbott’s veto message suggested that a full ban might not withstand court challenges, as has occurred in other states (Axios Newsletter, AP News).

For a deeper look into how federal and state-level politics intersect in this battle, read: The Federal Ban Looms – And Texas Doubles Down

SB 5, SB 6, and the Future of Hemp in Texas

The current 2025 legislative session includes multiple bills with overlapping aims. Senate Bill 5, introduced earlier in the year, proposed even stricter measures than SB 6—banning all consumable hemp products containing any detectable cannabinoids aside from CBD or CBG. It also aimed to:

Raise the legal purchase age for hemp-derived products to 21
Introduce new criminal penalties for violations

That bill, along with Senate Bill 3 (vetoed in June 2025 by Gov. Abbott), illustrates a broader pattern: while some lawmakers push for prohibition, the governor and others lean toward regulation (Statesman, Wikipedia).

These efforts unfold amid growing national acceptance of cannabis-derived products. New studies continue to dismantle the “gateway drug” myth. Learn more here: New Global Studies Show Marijuana Is Not a Gateway Drug

As this legal tug-of-war continues, Texans and business owners remain uncertain whether popular wellness products will stay accessible. It’s crucial to stay updated on each bill’s progress and implications.

CBD, Medical Marijuana, and What’s Still Legal in Texas Today (2025)

Wondering, “Is it legal in Texas today?” Here’s what you need to know:

CBD and Hemp-Derived THC

Hemp-derived products—such as CBD and delta‑8 THC—are technically legal in Texas today, provided they contain less than 0.3% delta‑9 THC by dry weight. This standard stems from the 2019 state definition of hemp and earlier federal laws (Statesman, MPP.org, Wikipedia).

However, the Texas Senate recently passed a bill to ban delta‑8 THC in consumable products; that legislation now awaits House consideration. If enacted, it could significantly limit or eliminate access to many hemp-derived offerings (Axios).

Medical Marijuana / Compassionate Use Program

Yes—low‑THC medical cannabis remains legal in Texas through the Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). In 2025, the program expanded dramatically, now covering conditions such as chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, cancer, and terminal illness. It also allows new forms like patches, lotions, vaping, and suppositories (Houston Chronicle, MPP.org, Statesman).