Republican primary voters will determine whether Greg Abbott gets nominated to appear on the general election ballot in 2026. He has to consider this as he decides if he should veto the THC ban.
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The survey, that was commissioned by the Texas Hemp Business Council and in the field from June 2 to 4, found that 45% opposed a ban on THC and 35% in support. Another 21% answered “don’t know.”
Republican base voters “consistently align with allowing military veterans who need legal hemp products to access it for their chronic pain, and prioritizing law enforcement stopping violent crime and protecting our border over banning hemp,” said Chris Perkins, a partner with the GOP pollster Ragnar Research, which conducted the poll.
When asked if the market should be regulated to allow only adult access, support for THC rose to 63%. GOP households with active-duty or veteran members were more likely to oppose the ban than others. 53% of respondents said they believed the ban would create opportunities for drug cartels, and 55% believed it would increase black market sales.
The fresh findings come as Gov. Greg Abbott is under enormous pressure from the hemp industry and veterans groups to veto the THC ban. The legislation, which passed both the Texas Senate and House with large majorities, would quash the state’s booming hemp industry, including all sales in gummy, flower, and beverage forms.
