Some Texas hemp shops are registering customers to vote and displaying voter guides near checkout counters. Most of the candidates in the guides are Democrats, according to the report. Much of the industry's anger is aimed at Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who made banning intoxicating hemp products a top priority last year. Patrick argued that the products pose health risks and that the state cannot adequately regulate thousands of retailers. Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the ban. In June 2025, Patrick said, "I'm not going to legalize marijuana in Texas. And if people want to vote me out of office for that, so be it."
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, said she opposed Patrick's proposed ban. She also supported expanding medical cannabis and reducing penalties for marijuana possession. Goodwin said she supports rules similar to those for alcohol, including age limits and packaging and marketing rules. She said the restrictions adopted by state health regulators in March went too far. Those rules effectively prohibit the sale of most smokable hemp products and raise some business fees by up to 4,000%, the report said.
Estella Castro, owner of Austinite Cannabis Co., said she has closed two stores and kept her East Austin location open. She said the November elections are the industry's last hope. Sarah Todd, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, called Goodwin an ally to the industry. Patrick has said he will keep pushing for a total THC ban.