Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick speaks at a press conference at the Texas Capitol on Monday, June 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Patrick hosted a press conference in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to veto Senate Bill 3, which would have banned the sale of THC products in Texas.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who led the ban on hemp-derived THC products, said Abbott is proposing "for us to legalize marijuana in Texas — by regulating it."

The clash marks a rare break between two of the most powerful Republicans in Texas after a legislative session that ushered in a series of conservative victories.