Fact Check: "Governor Abbott's veto legalizes marijuana in Texas, claims Lt. Gov. Patrick."
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill known as Senate Bill 3, which aimed to impose one of the strictest bans on the sale of intoxicants derived from hemp, including those containing THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. This veto was significant as it maintained the current market for hemp products in Texas, which has been growing rapidly, generating over $4 billion annually (New York Times). Abbott's decision came after considerable pressure from consumers and businesses that argued against the ban, stating it would harm those who rely on these products for various health issues (Texas Tribune).
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who supported the ban, expressed his surprise and disappointment at Abbott's veto. He claimed that the governor's actions could be interpreted as a move towards the legalization of recreational marijuana, stating, “One can only come to this conclusion, which surprises me: the governor of the state of Texas wants to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas” (CBS News). However, it is crucial to note that Texas law still prohibits recreational marijuana use, and Abbott's veto did not change the legal status of marijuana in the state (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Abbott's veto legalizes marijuana in Texas is misleading. While Lt. Gov. Patrick's comments suggest that the veto could be seen as a step towards legalization, the reality is that Abbott's veto was aimed at regulating the hemp industry rather than promoting recreational marijuana use. Abbott explicitly stated that Texas must "strongly regulate hemp" and indicated that he would prefer a regulatory approach over a complete ban (New York Times).
Moreover, the context of the veto is essential. Abbott's action was a response to a bill that would have criminalized the possession and sale of hemp products containing THC, which would have severely restricted access to these products. By vetoing the bill, Abbott did not legalize marijuana; instead, he opted to maintain the status quo while calling for regulations to ensure safety and compliance (Texas Tribune, CBS News).
The sources used in this analysis are credible news outlets that provide detailed coverage of Texas politics. The New York Times and Texas Tribune are reputable for their thorough reporting and fact-checking, while CBS News offers timely updates on political developments. Therefore, the information presented is reliable and reflects the current legal landscape regarding marijuana in Texas.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Governor Abbott's veto legalizes marijuana in Texas is false. The veto does not change the legal status of marijuana in Texas, which remains illegal for recreational use. Instead, Abbott's decision was aimed at regulating the hemp market rather than endorsing legalization. Lt. Gov. Patrick's interpretation of the veto as a move towards legalization does not align with the actual legal framework and intentions expressed by Abbott.
