For years, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been on a crusade against marijuana in the state. After a 2019 law was imposed that essentially legalized hemp products similar to marijuana, Patrick has the industry in his crosshairs. This session, he got his wish, as the state legislature passed a THC ban in the state.
Whether you are for it or against it, you could argue there is bigger fish to fry than worrying about THC bans. Yet here we are, with a bill on Governor Greg Abbott's desk that would regress Texas backward. The Governor has until June 22nd to veto the bill and has been wishy-washy in his commitment to it. There is a fine line to walk for him as well.
Many Republicans even in the state are against the ban. There is an election coming in 2026, and signing this bill into law would alienate a lot of Republican business owners. The industry has swept into Texas, and getting rid of it upsets constituents, and also goes against Texas' business friendly policies.
Political consultant Bill Miller says there are many Republicans across all walks who oppose the ban.
"These are people who are Conservatives...retired military...not people would expect to be voting for a progressive candidate for Congress," he says.
It is rare that Patrick catches flak in Austin, but he has stirred up a large group of people with this ban. Again, this is nothing new. Patrick has long been against marijuana in the state. But it is surpring the bill actually made it to the Governor's desk, considering how many are against it.
It is a tricky situation for Governor Abbott. On one hand, singing the bill keeps Patrick, leader of the State Senate, happy. On the flip side, signing the bill into law will greatly upset a number of Texans, including people who voted for him. He likely will not lose votes from it, but it might make those people hesitate.
"I do not think the helps himself in this issue, I know he has his reason for believing what he believes...but I think he underestimated how deeply this cut into a lot of people who otherwise support him on a lot of issues," says Miller.
The clock is ticking on whether or not the bill will go into law. The deadline is just 10 days away, and there has been no real buzz about it from the Governor.
As for what he might do? That is anyone's guess.
"I think he will veto the bill, because Texas is noted for its openness to business...and this puts a lot of people and businesses out of work," Miller says.
This week, Governor Abbott said to media that he has not yet decided if he will veto the bill.
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