Senate Bill 5 Set to End ‘Legal’ THC in Texas

July 22, 2025 – During a special legislative session, a Texas Senate committee advanced Senate Bill 5, a sweeping measure that would ban all products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, including hemp-derived THC. The committee emphasized that neither state nor local governments have the resources to properly regulate the growing market of THC-infused products. Instead of expanding oversight or setting limits, SB 5 proposes a full ban, effectively criminalizing possession of items ranging from delta-8 gummies to full-spectrum CBD oils.

Supporters of the bill argue that unregulated THC products are proliferating across Texas, creating public safety risks, especially for children and teens. They claim enforcement gaps, testing limitations, and inconsistent labeling make it impossible to keep consumers safe under the current system. By banning detectable THC entirely, the state avoids the need for extensive regulatory infrastructure.

Critics, including hemp industry advocates and medical cannabis users, say the bill would shutter legal businesses, punish responsible consumers, and eliminate access to non-intoxicating therapeutic products. They argue that a targeted regulatory approach would better serve public health without criminalizing lawful behavior.

If passed, SB 5 would represent one of the strictest anti-cannabinoid laws in the country—reversing previous bipartisan efforts to create a legal hemp market in Texas.