Abbott, in his veto of THC ban, urged lawmakers to regulate hemp sales similarly to liquor sales, by prohibiting sales near places frequented by children, and prohibiting sales to anyone under the age of 21, with strict penalties for any retailer that fails to comply.

The Senate’s decision signals another potential standoff with Gov. Greg Abbott, who vetoed a similar ban earlier this year as he called for more regulations instead.

Dan Patrick supports the bill, citing loopholes in hemp law exploited by "bad actors," health risks to children from THC products marketed like candy, and backing from law enforcement, medical associations,