Texas Senate Bill 3 Heads to the House Floor

What You Need to Know About the SB3 Hemp Bill Rewrite

The Texas Legislature (specifically the House State Affairs Committee) has released a rewritten version of Senate Bill 3 (SB3), and it brings major changes to how hemp-derived products—especially hemp-infused beverages and consumables—are regulated in the state. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest changes:

Permitted Products 

• The revised bill allows the sale of hemp-derived edibles and beverages containing natural cannabinoids like delta-9 THC, while banning synthetic cannabinoids and inhalable products such as vapes. 
  .

New Limits on Hemp Beverages

• 10mg THC Cap: Hemp drinks can’t contain more than 10 milligrams of Delta-9 THC per container (unless classified as multi-serving). 
• No Alcohol or Additives: You can’t mix hemp beverages with alcohol, nicotine, kratom, caffeine, or psychoactive mushrooms.
• Must Be Child-Safe: Packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and not resemble soda, candy, or familiar snacks
• Oversight of hemp-infused beverages is transferred to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), aligning their regulation more closely with that of alcoholic beverages

Licenses, Fees, and Training

• New Hemp Beverage Permit Required: Any business making, selling, or delivering hemp drinks will need a special permit.
• Permit Fees Vary: From $500 for retailers to $10,000 for delivery services.
• Mandatory Training: Staff must complete annual training on legal responsibilities and safety risks.

Buying and Selling Rules

• 21+ Only: Customers must be 21 or older to purchase hemp-infused beverages.
• Daily THC Limit: No more than 10mg of THC per customer per day unless buying a special multi-serving product.
• ID Scanning Required: Retailers must use DPS-approved ID verification software to check age and track purchase limits

• Sales are prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools and certain other areas frequented by children.

Taxes and Public Health

• New THC Tax: Hemp drinks will be taxed based on THC content ($0.02 per 2.5mg Delta-9 THC).
• Where the Money Goes:
  • 50% to enforcement and inspections.
  • 25% to crime labs.
  • 25% to addiction treatment and education.

New Signage and Labeling Rules

• Stores must post bilingual warning signs about drug tests, impairment risks, and mixing with alcohol.
• Product labels must include:
  • THC content per ounce.
  • Health and safety warnings.
  • A reminder that cannabis use during pregnancy is not recommended.

Why It Matters

This bill places hemp drinks and consumables under the same regulatory umbrella as alcohol, significantly tightening who can sell them, how they’re packaged, and how much THC customers can legally buy. 

If passed, the differing versions will need to be reconciled before being sent to Governor Greg Abbott for approval. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a strong proponent of the original ban, has indicated he may push for a special legislative session if a comprehensive ban is not enacted. 

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Texas lawmakers are preparing for a final vote on Senate Bill 3, and the future of hemp in our state is on the line. While the latest version avoids a full ban, it still creates heavy restrictions that could shut down small businesses, limit consumer access, and shift control of hemp into the hands of a few large players.

Here’s how you can help right now:

• Contact your Texas State Representative:
  
  Use this tool to find out who represents you and call or email them today.
  
  Find Your Texas Representative »
• Tell them to oppose any version of SB3 that harms access to safe, legal hemp products.
  
  Ask them to protect local businesses, farmers, and Texans who rely on these products for wellness—not just criminalize or monopolize the industry.
• Share this article and help your friends, coworkers, and neighbors understand what’s happening.
  
  The more awareness we build, the harder it becomes to pass harmful legislation in silence.
• Follow @dama_botanicals on Instagram for real-time updates, talking points, and more ways to plug in.

We have less than a month left in the legislative session. The time to act is now.

Let’s stand together to protect hemp in Texas.