Senator Nathan Johnson Unveils Cannabis Reform Bills in Texas Special Session

Senator Nathan Johnson (D) has filed two bills during the current special legislative session aimed at overhauling Texas’ cannabis policy. The proposed legislation, Senate Bills 53 and 54, establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC products and decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

While redistricting has dominated much of the session’s attention, Johnson urged fellow lawmakers to focus on another urgent issue. The unregulated and inconsistent legal landscape surrounding THC in Texas. He called the current system “unenforceable,” noting that it fails to respect adult consumer choice or provide the necessary guardrails for public health and safety.

SB 53 focuses on regulating hemp-derived THC products. Johnson said the bill builds on earlier legislative work but includes key improvements, such as a lower THC threshold of 5 milligrams per serving, uniform testing requirements, clear labeling standards, and an age restriction. It also establishes an advisory committee that will report annually to the Legislature on market trends, safety concerns, and possible future reforms.

“Our current laws provide no consistent oversight,” Johnson said. “This bill gives us a system that’s enforceable, visible, and safer for Texans.”

SB 54 addresses the criminal justice side of cannabis policy. It would decriminalize possession of up to two ounces of marijuana and allow for limited home cultivation. The bill also creates a path for expunging past low-level marijuana convictions, something Johnson says is long overdue.

“We waste so much money and divert so many law enforcement resources and cause so much injustice—and we have for years,” said Johnson. “This bill is about correcting long-standing, destructive criminal justice policies while aligning our laws with public sentiment and common sense.”

Together, the two bills aim to establish a consistent, enforceable THC policy in Texas, support medical access, reduce criminal penalties, and give adults the right to make informed, lawful choices.