Lubbock, Texas – On Monday, Lieutenant Governor‑elect Vikki Goodwin stood with hemp business owners outside the Travis County Civil Courthouse to contest the Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) regulations on consumable THC products. The growers argue the rules cripple an industry that employs tens of thousands of Texans.
Goodwin, a Democrat, has pledged to direct DSHS to roll back the current restrictions and to work with lawmakers on a legislative solution that would allow regulated THC products rather than an outright ban. Her stance contrasts sharply with the position of Republican leaders who continue to advocate for a total prohibition.
Republican push for a ban
Governor Greg Abbott previously vetoed a blanket ban on THC products that the Texas Legislature had passed. However, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and State Senator Charles Perry have led the charge for a renewed ban. Senator Perry told a Senate Committee on Health & Human Services hearing in July, “States that regulate gain nothing… there is no path to fix this other than getting rid of it.” He plans to reintroduce the ban in the upcoming legislative session.
The clash pits a growing hemp sector against a faction of lawmakers who view any regulation as insufficient to address what they describe as a social problem linked to addiction.
Pending court action and federal developments
A related lawsuit has been filed in the Texas 15th Court of Appeals, with oral arguments scheduled for Dec. 8. The outcome could shape how aggressively DSHS enforces its rules.
Complicating the state debate, a new federal rule will take effect Dec. 11, banning any product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. The rule closes a loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which defined hemp as containing less than 0.3 percent Delta‑9 THC by weight. While the federal limit is modest, it could further restrict Texas producers who have relied on the higher threshold to market “hemp‑derived” products that still produce a mild psychoactive effect.
Impact on local businesses
Local hemp processors and retailers fear that both state and federal restrictions could shrink a market that supports thousands of jobs across Texas. They argue that a regulated framework would provide consumer safety, tax revenue, and economic stability, whereas a ban would push the industry underground.
Goodwin’s campaign promises to prioritize a balanced approach that protects jobs while addressing public‑health concerns. She emphasizes that regulation, not prohibition, is the path to responsible growth.
What’s next?
The legal battle is set to continue through the courts and the state Capitol. With a Democratic‑controlled Texas House and a new lieutenant governor advocating for regulation, the debate over hemp and THC products is likely to remain a focal point of Texas politics throughout the coming year.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
