Austin state Rep. Vikki Goodwin unseated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Election Day. Patrick, a close ally of Trump, had led a campaign against hemp-derived THC products that led state officials to ban several items, including smokeable vapes and joints. Goodwin built her campaign around reversing those restrictions and using sales tax revenue to pay for health insurance programs for low-income Texans.
Lukas Gilkey, chief executive of hemp-product manufacturer Hometown Hero, said the result was a major moment in politics. Shayda Torabi, co-founder of RESTART CBD in Austin, said Goodwin's stance helps the industry but does not offer an immediate fix. She said smokable products have shifted back and forth through agency rules and court orders, making planning difficult for businesses and customers.
Torabi said lawmakers could set clear rules on age limits, testing, labeling and enforcement. She also warned that even if the state lifts its smokeable ban, THCa flower, the raw, unheated form of THC, does not meet a new federal total THC test.