Senate Hardliners Want to Take More of Your More Freedom Again
If you’re like us—a Texas-based hemp business—you’ve been watching Senate Bill 5 (SB5) like a hawk. The stakes are sky-high for our industry, our customers, and the future of legal hemp products in Texas.
As of this writing, SB5 has passed the Texas Senate. But here’s the important thing: it’s not law yet. There are still several steps left in the process—and every single one matters. If you’ve been wondering what could happen next, or what role you can play, we’ve got you covered.
First, a Quick Recap on SB5
Senate Bill 5 was filed during the Texas Legislature’s special session, which means lawmakers are working with a short timeline—just 30 days to get things done.
SB5 aims to significantly restrict or ban hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8, Delta-9, and other cannabinoids sold legally under the 2018 Farm Bill. That includes popular items like gummies, vapes, tinctures, and other infused products.
If passed, SB5 could shutter hundreds of small hemp businesses across Texas—and limit access for thousands of adult consumers who rely on these products for wellness, pain relief, and relaxation.
✅ SB5 Passed the Senate—Now What?
So the Senate passed SB5. Here’s what that actually means:
- SB5 moves to the Texas House of Representatives.
That’s right—one chamber down, but another to go. The House must also approve the bill before it can become law.
But just because the Senate voted yes doesn’t mean the House will do the same.
What Can Happen to SB5 in the Texas House?
Once SB5 arrives in the House, several things could happen. This is where it gets interesting—and where your voice still has power.
1. It Can Be Sent to a House Committee
Most bills go straight to a committee before the full House ever votes on them. That committee can:
- Approve it and send it to the full House for a vote.
- Amend it (change the language or weaken its impact).
- Ignore it entirely, letting it stall and die.
This is where advocacy really counts. If the committee doesn’t hear from the public, they’re more likely to let SB5 slide through without challenge.
2. The House Can Vote on It
If it gets out of committee, the full House can:
- Pass it exactly as the Senate wrote it.
- Pass it with amendments (which means it goes back to the Senate for approval of the changes).
- Vote it down entirely.
3. If Versions Differ, a Conference Committee Is Formed
Let’s say the Senate and House don’t agree on the exact version of SB5. In that case, a conference committee—made up of House and Senate members—will meet to hash out the differences.
After that, both chambers must vote again to approve the final compromise.
❌ 4. It Can Still Die
SB5 may have passed the Senate, but it can still:
- Die in committee in the House.
- Get voted down by the full House.
- Run out of time—remember, special sessions only last 30 days.
🕒 The Clock Is Ticking: Why Timing Matters
The Texas Legislature only has 30 days during a special session. If SB5 doesn’t pass both chambers and reach the Governor’s desk before time runs out, it dies automatically.
That means every delay, every amendment, every committee hearing matters.
🖊️ The Governor Has the Final Say
If SB5 clears both the Senate and the House, it goes to Governor Greg Abbott. He can:
- Sign it into law.
- Veto it, sending it back.
- Let it become law without signing if he takes no action for 10 days (excluding Sundays).
In a special session, however, vetoes are common—especially if public pressure is strong and the issue is controversial.
💬 So, What Can We Do?
As a hemp business in Texas, we aren’t sitting on the sidelines. We’re standing up—for our products, our customers, and our community.
Here’s how you can help:
- 📞 Call Your House Representative
Let them know how SB5 will impact:- Your business or job
- Your access to wellness products
- Your freedom of choice as an adult Texan
- ✍️ Send an Email or Letter
Personal stories matter. Whether you’re a business owner, a customer, or an advocate—your voice can shape what happens next. - 🗣️ Show Up and Speak Out
Attend hearings if they’re scheduled. Watch House sessions. Follow updates from advocacy groups and industry associations. - 📱 Share This Info
Too many Texans don’t realize how close we are to losing legal hemp products in this state. Spread the word on social media using hashtags like:- #SB5Texas
- #TXLege
- #SaveTexasHemp
- #ProtectSmallBusiness
🎯 Bottom Line: SB5 Isn’t Law Yet—But It Could Be
Just because SB5 passed the Senate doesn’t mean it’s over. In fact, this is the critical moment where your voice and action can help determine the outcome.
The Texas House has the power to stop this bill—or at least demand changes that protect small businesses and the adult consumers who rely on us.
This is not just a policy debate. It’s about real people, real jobs, and real access to safe, regulated hemp products.
📬 Stay Updated
We’ll be watching the House closely and sharing updates as they happen. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media for the latest on SB5, the Texas Legislature, and how you can take action.
Thank you for standing with us—and for standing up for Texas hemp.
