Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for vetoing a bill that would have effectively banned THC products in the state. Texas’ top two Republican leaders appear to be realigned over the issue after the public criticism.
At a press conference, Patrick voiced confusion over Abbott’s last-minute decision.
“It puzzles me why my friend Greg Abbott would at the last minute, at about 22 minutes after 11, decide to veto this bill,” Patrick said.
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Patrick calls for action after veto
Following his remarks, Patrick posted on X announcing that he will work with the governor’s office to revise Senate Bill 3. He said the new version will be addressed during a special session on July 21 and will still ban all synthetic THC products, including THC edibles and beverages.
Abbott’s veto of SB 3 appeared to catch Patrick off guard, with the lieutenant governor expressing frustration online.
Accusations of silence and abandonment
In a June 22 post, Patrick said the governor remained “totally silent” on the THC ban proposal throughout the legislative session, despite broad Republican support and backing from law enforcement and Texas families. Patrick added that Abbott’s veto left supporters “feeling abandoned.”
On Monday, June 23, Patrick again took the issue public at a press conference.
“I’m used to tough political fights. The governor and I will work together in the future and we’ll disagree from time to time, but this is a fight that didn’t need to be,” Patrick said. “He’s put the Legislature in a very bad position. Like I said, politics can be hardball.”
Governor responds: Bill was ‘well intentioned, but legally flawed’
In response to Patrick’s press conference, the governor’s office released a statement saying Abbott shares concerns about THC products and supports a ban, but argued that SB 3 was “legally flawed.”
“We should not risk years of potential legal battles when we can fix the bill and protect kids now,” the statement read.
Patrick replied to the governor’s comments by affirming his readiness to work together in the upcoming special session to pass a revised version of the THC ban. Abbott cited a similar THC ban in Arkansas that is being challenged in court. He said Texas must refine its legislation to avoid a similar outcome. An appellate court on Tuesday, June 24, reversed a lower court’s order halting Arkansas from enforcing the state’s ban on THC products while the case is litigated, according to Attorney General Tim Griffin.
