Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Slams Abbott’s THC Executive Order

URGENT UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has vehemently criticized Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent executive order regulating low-dose THC products, claiming it legitimizes a “shady industry” and fails to address the growing market that Patrick believes should be banned entirely. This backlash comes just days after Abbott’s order aimed to impose age restrictions and initiate a regulatory framework for an industry that has exploded to approximately 8,000 retailers since the legalization of hemp consumables in 2019.

Patrick’s condemnation, voiced Friday in Austin, underscores a significant rift within Texas Republican leadership. He stated that Abbott’s decision sends a dangerous message, effectively granting a “state seal of approval” to the THC market, which Patrick asserts is rife with products that should not be legal. “The Governor’s executive order… has legitimized our current THC market,” Patrick declared, highlighting concerns from law enforcement about potential marijuana legalization in Texas.

This latest controversy follows multiple failed attempts to either ban or regulate THC products, with negotiations between Abbott, Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows collapsing over safety concerns and product potency. Patrick noted, “We could not come to an agreement on a safe THC concentration, serving size, or amount that would not lead to intoxication and abuse.”

Abbott defended his executive order, emphasizing that lawmakers had numerous opportunities to act but failed to pass stringent regulations, which led him to take executive action. “I put a lot of ideas on the table… And so, I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t going to let a day go by without doing something about that,” Abbott stated at a press conference in McKinney.

The executive order, issued on Wednesday, restricts the sale of THC-infused gummies, drinks, snacks, and smokeable products to adults aged 21 and older. It also directs the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to explore further regulations, including potential testing and packaging requirements, in response to the lack of legislative action.

Supporters within the THC industry have celebrated Abbott’s executive order as a significant victory. Lukas Gilkey, owner of Hometown Hero, expressed excitement on social media, stating, “This is huge for our industry… completely legitimizes our industry and shows that we are here to stay!”

However, Patrick remains steadfast in his position that a total ban is necessary to protect Texans, particularly children, from what he describes as “highly potent and dangerous THC products.” He criticized the executive order for lacking comprehensive measures beyond age restrictions, expressing dismay that it does not address the broader issues of product safety.

Despite the ongoing debate, Abbott’s order does not aim to ban THC products outright but rather to impose tighter controls and oversight until the legislature reconvenes in 2027. “Some of this can and should be done by the Legislature,” Abbott acknowledged.

As the situation unfolds, both supporters and opponents of the THC market are closely monitoring the potential changes that Abbott’s executive order may bring. The continued tension between Patrick and Abbott highlights a critical moment in Texas cannabis policy, with significant implications for public health and regulatory practices moving forward.

As discussions continue, the future of THC regulation in Texas remains uncertain, with Patrick’s push for a ban clashing against Abbott’s more lenient approach. The outcome will likely shape the state’s cannabis landscape for years to come.