Texas Hemp Ban Update – What It Means and Why It Matters Beyond Texas

Written By Damien Padilla

Texas lawmakers are pushing Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a proposed ban that targets hemp-derived cannabinoids—like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC—from retail shelves. After an exhausting 12+ hour session on House Bill 28, the SB 3 hearing was scheduled deep into the night, making it hard for working Texans to stay and testify. The late-night strategy appears designed to silence opposition by attrition.

Why New Mexico Should Pay Attention

If Texas moves forward with this hemp crackdown, the effects won’t stop at the state line. Border states like New Mexico, with a legal and active cannabis market, may see a surge in cross-border purchases, increased demand for hemp-derived alternatives, and possibly more scrutiny from regulators trying to distinguish between state-legal cannabis and Texas-bound hemp products.

Expect:

  • Increased foot traffic from Texas residents looking to legally purchase in New Mexico

  • Pressure on supply chains, especially for low-dose edibles, vapes, and gummies

  • Heightened law enforcement attention near the state line

New Mexico retailers should brace for changes in buying patterns—and possibly an influx of customers who were shut out of the Texas market overnight.

Damien Padilla
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