East Texans react to Gov. Abbott’s veto of THC ban

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – The two most powerful Republicans in the state were at odds on Monday after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the THC ban championed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

“I knew that doing the right thing, would be done,” Owner of CBD American Shaman, Morris Anderson said.

Local shop owners who sell THC products said they breathed a sigh of relief with their customers after learning about the governor’s decision.

“Governor Abbott is doing the right thing, and we definitely appreciate it,” Anderson said.

Anderson added that he’s encouraged by the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 3, and the decision is giving some comfort to customers worried about a potential ban.

“It’s a relief, a weight lifted because it’s customers that come through here, they’re dealing with a lot,” Anderson said.

Several East Texas lawmakers are supporting the governor’s veto while also calling on regulations to protect Texans. State Representative Jay Dean from Longview posted his reaction to the veto on social media.

“Let be perfectly clear though – I do support regulating the products,” Dean said. “We saw way too many products packaged to look like candy that were clearly being marketed to children. That’s unacceptable and irresponsible. We would not tolerate from the alcohol industry, and we shouldn’t here either. Regulation is acceptable. Prohibition is not.”

“I know my customers here appreciate them, and this world will appreciate it,” Anderson said.

State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola said his goals going into the special session in July is safeguarding children from these products.

“I think the goal is to find a way to deal with this that’s going to go into effect, not be tied up in court,” State Senator Bryan Hughes said. “Our number one goal is to protect children, make sure children are getting access to these products.”

That’s something that Patrick echoed in a press conference Monday, when he delivered a fiery response to the governor’s late-night veto.

“We’re not Colorado and we’re not Oregon, and we’re not Washington state. We’re Texas, and I will not sign a bill that legalizes marijuana in Texas,” Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said. 

State Representative Daniel Alders from Tyler said he applauds the governor for calling a special session and that he’s ready to get to work on legislation that will withstand any challenges in court.

State Representative Joanne Shofner from Nacogdoches added that their goal will be to protect children, prevent addiction, support families and preserve legitimate businesses operating within the law.