Texas Hemp Shops Push Back on THC Rules
With early voting closing Friday, business owners and candidates are framing the lieutenant governor race as a fight over state cannabis regulations.
By Robert Herrera ·
Texas hemp shops are using the upcoming election to challenge state regulators over new restrictions on THC products.
The political shift began after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made banning hemp products that cause intoxication a legislative priority. He argued that health risks and the difficulty of regulating thousands of retailers justified the ban. When Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Patrick’s sweeping proposal, the lieutenant governor vowed to keep fighting. In a June 2025 news conference, Patrick stated, “I’m not going to legalize marijuana in Texas. And if people want to vote me out of office for that, so be it.”
Abbott’s administration subsequently implemented stricter rules. After the legislature deadlocked on how to handle THC, Abbott issued an executive order banning smokable hemp products. Health and Human Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth approved regulations that treat THCA, a non-intoxicating compound, like Delta-9 THC. These rules increased business fees by up to 4,000% and removed popular items from shelves. A Texas Supreme Court ruling later allowed the Department of State Health Services to place broader THC definitions on the Schedule I Controlled Substances list, creating confusion for law enforcement and consumers.
Democratic candidates have embraced the issue. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin is running for lieutenant governor and has met with business owners to promise regulations similar to those for alcohol. She opposed Patrick’s ban and supported medical cannabis expansion. Sarah Todd, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, called Goodwin an ally to the industry. In Williamson County, Democrat Chris Jimenez is challenging state Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, who voted for the ban. Jimenez, a Marine veteran, cited the use of THC for sleep and wartime ailments as a reason for his advocacy.
Business owners are mobilizing voters directly. Estella Castro, who closed two stores due to the new fees, hosted a campaign event at her remaining Austin location. She described the election as the final chance to determine if her business survives. At the CHAMPS trade show in Austin, Holden Hylander of Sherpa is promoting Goodwin through wholesalers. Haley Hunt, co-owner of Haus of Jayne in Dripping Springs, said she is considering voting for a full Democratic ticket for the first time. She and co-owner Christy Spanton hosted a Q&A session on their front porch that drew about 50 customers.
Consumer Carrie Napiorkowski, who uses THC gummies for chronic pain, stated that access to cannabis should not be a partisan issue. She blamed Patrick for making it one. Down the ballot, state Rep. Erin Zwiener has called for the full legalization of cannabis. The incoming lieutenant governor will hold significant power over future cannabis legislation as lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.
Early voting ends Friday. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Source: KUHT
