Poll: More Texas GOP primary voters oppose Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s hemp ban than support it

It’s unclear what group of constituents Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was hoping to impress by forcing a statewide ban of all THC-containing hash products through the Texas Legislature, but a new poll suggests Republican primary voters aren’t impressed.

A survey released by Texas Hemp Business Council trade association shows that more primary voters in Patrick’s own state party oppose the ban than support it.

Indeed, 47% of Texas Republican primary voters in the poll said they’re against banning hemp, while 37% support a ban and 16% said they don’t know. Further, 45% oppose banning THC — the compound in cannabis that gets people high — while 35% support such a ban and 21% don’t know.

Opposition to the ban is stronger among those who have an active-duty or former member of the military in their household, according to the survey. Veterans overwhelmingly lobbied against Senate Bill 3, the hemp ban bill Patrick championed during the session, saying legally available THC has helped them with PTSD, chronic pain and other issues.

This spring, Patrick — a partisan culture warrior prone who controls the agenda of the Texas Senate — repeatedly threatened to continue calling special sessions of the Texas Legislature unless lawmakers passed legislation completely banning hemp products that contain THC.

SB 3 now sits on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk, awaiting signature. An increasing number of Republicans have joined progressives in speaking out against the proposal, arguing it’s an overreach that will destroy a burgeoning industry and quash Texans’ rights to live as they choose.

Last week, the THBC industry group delivered 5,000 handwritten letters and a petition with 118,000 signatures to Abbott urging him to veto the bill. The business group lobbied for lawmakers to adopt new rules to rein in the unregulated industry rather than shut it down, which advocates argue would kill 53,000 jobs in the state.

The THBC poll also showed that GOP primary voters overwhelmingly support veterans’ access to THC. The majority also worry a statewide ban will lead users to turn to illegal sources. According to the survey:

• More than two-thirds of Republican primary voters (72%) believe military veterans should be able to access THC products as an alternative to opioids.
• 53% of Republican primary voters believe a ban will create opportunities for drug cartels.
• 55% of Republican primary voters believe a ban will increase black market sales.

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This article appears in May 29 – Jun 11, 2025.