Vikki Goodwin, an Austin state representative, defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in the midterm elections. Her campaign focused on Patrick's record and his push to ban hemp-derived THC products. State officials had already banned several hemp-derived products, including smokable vapes and joints.
Shayda Torabi, co-founder of RESTART CBD in Austin, said smokable products have moved back and forth under agency rules and court orders, making planning difficult for businesses. She said THCA flower fails a new federal total THC test starting Dec. 11, so smokable products may need a federal change or a state-legal market. She said Texans could go a while without access to some products.
JD McCormick, founder of American Healthy Alternatives Association, said THC access was on the ballot and that Patrick underestimated how popular hemp was. Katherine Fischer, executive director of Texas Majority PAC, said THC was one of many issues that influenced voters.