Overview
- Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in Tuesday’s midterm elections, part of a Democratic sweep that also flipped statewide offices and gave Democrats control of the Texas House.
- State health rules adopted in March limit consumable hemp products by setting a 0.3% total‑THC threshold, requiring 21+ purchases and child‑resistant packaging, and sharply raising licensing and retail fees.
- Industry groups have filed multiple lawsuits challenging those DSHS rules, and businesses say the regulations and higher costs have already forced some store closures and revenue losses.
- A pending federal change to how total THC is tested, together with ongoing court fights, means smokable hemp products could remain unavailable even if state policy shifts.
- San Antonio councilman Jalen McKee‑Rodriguez has requested a local economic study of medical and adult‑use legalization to build data and lobbying materials ahead of the 2027 legislative session.