Texas Vetoes Hemp Ban: What It Means for Malibu and Our Customers

On June 23, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, a proposed law that would have banned most hemp-derived THC products in Texas. The bill aimed to eliminate smokable and consumable items like THCa flower, gummies, drinks, and vapes — the exact kinds of products our customers rely on every day.

Instead of signing the bill, the governor called for a special legislative session starting July 21. His goal: to replace the threat of prohibition with practical regulations. At Malibu, we welcome this decision. For years, we’ve built our business around quality, safety, and responsible access. The industry needs rules, but not ones that erase it entirely.

What the Veto Means

Had SB 3 become law, it would have outlawed virtually every product with measurable THC content, even those derived from federally legal hemp. This wouldn’t just have hurt small businesses like ours. It would have pushed adult consumers into unregulated markets, eliminated thousands of jobs, and disrupted a fast-growing sector of the Texas economy.

By vetoing the bill, Governor Abbott sent a clear message: Texans deserve a thoughtful approach to hemp, not a blanket ban. He urged lawmakers to return with regulations that protect public safety while preserving access for responsible adults. That’s a direction we support.

What Malibu Believes Texas Needs

At Malibu, we’ve already adopted many of the standards that we believe should guide the future of hemp in Texas. Here’s what we hope to see from the special session.

1. A Clear Age Limit

Texas law does not currently set a legal minimum age to purchase hemp products. We voluntarily restrict all sales to customers 21 and over and verify IDs at every sale. This should be a statewide standard. Age restrictions protect minors and legitimize the industry.

2. Responsible Packaging and Labeling

No one wants to see hemp products packaged like candy or marketed to kids. Our products are packaged in child-resistant containers with clear, accurate labels. We support regulations that require safety-first packaging and full transparency on ingredients and potency.

3. Required Product Testing

Every Malibu product is third-party tested, and those results are always available to customers. Texas should mandate lab testing across the board, so consumers know exactly what they’re getting — and what they’re not.

4. A Fair, Enforceable System

The current system lacks enforcement. There are thousands of retailers and very few inspections. Texas needs a funded, organized regulatory body that can ensure every shop plays by the rules. Most business owners, like us, want to do things right. It only works if everyone else is held to the same standard.

Why This Matters

The hemp industry in Texas is not a loophole or a fluke. It’s a real economy with real benefits. Customers use these products for anxiety, sleep, pain, and wellness. Entrepreneurs have built jobs and communities around them. Lawmakers should be working to regulate that energy, not eliminate it.

We understand the concerns. The rise in potency, the marketing to young people, the lack of oversight — these are real issues. But the answer isn’t prohibition. The answer is common sense.

What Comes Next

The Texas Legislature returns on July 21. We’ll be watching closely and advocating for a balanced, practical approach. At Malibu, we’re ready to follow whatever rules are passed — as long as they’re fair, clear, and built for long-term success.

In the meantime, we’ll continue doing what we’ve always done: offering safe, legal, lab-tested hemp products to responsible adults across Texas.

Thank you for supporting Malibu, and thank you for supporting a future for hemp in this state.