Texas Cannabis Politics: Hemp Shops Back Democratic Challenger in Lt. Gov. Race

Texas hemp retailers are actively recruiting voters to support Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin in the race for lieutenant governor. Shop owners in Austin and surrounding areas have registered customers and displayed voter guides to capitalize on public frustration with current cannabis regulations. The industry views the upcoming election as a critical opportunity to reverse strict rules that have reduced product availability and increased business costs.

The political anger centers on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who holds significant power over the state Senate agenda. Patrick made banning hemp products that cause intoxication a priority last year, citing health risks and regulatory challenges. Although Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the sweeping ban Patrick championed, the lieutenant governor stated he would not abandon the cause. In a June 2025 news conference, Patrick said he was not going to legalize marijuana in Texas and that he would accept being voted out of office if that was the choice.

Goodwin, who represents Austin, has positioned herself as an ally to the cannabis industry. She opposed Patrick’s proposed ban and supported legislation to expand medical cannabis and reduce penalties for possession. Sarah Todd, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, described Goodwin as an ally to the industry as a whole. Goodwin has spent the past year meeting with business owners and promised to support regulations similar to those governing alcohol, including age restrictions and packaging rules.

Business owners argue that current state health regulations have severely impacted their operations. In March, state health regulators adopted rules that effectively prohibited the sale of most smokable hemp products and increased business fees by up to 4,000 percent. Estella Castro, owner of Austinite Cannabis Co. in East Austin, said she closed two stores and held on to her flagship location. She told a Goodwin campaign event that the elections are the industry's last hope to determine if they stay open.

The issue is energizing voters who do not traditionally align with the Democratic Party. At a trade show in Austin, Holden Hylander of Sherpa, a manufacturer of hemp-derived THC products, said he is promoting Goodwin’s campaign because she supports the industry. He described himself as an independent voter making a single-issue choice this year. Similarly, Haley Hunt, co-owner of Haus of Jayne in Dripping Springs, said she is considering voting for the full Democratic ticket for the first time due to the state of cannabis policy.

The regulatory changes stem from Abbott’s executive order, which called for a ban on smokable hemp products after lawmakers deadlocked on legislation. The rule treats THCA, a non-psychoactive compound, like Delta-9 THC. This classification allows authorities to ban products that turn into Delta-9 when heated. Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth approved these business regulations in January. A subsequent Texas Supreme Court ruling allowed the health department to reinstate broader definitions of THC on the Schedule I Controlled Substances list, creating legal uncertainty for consumers and law enforcement.

Patrick’s office did not respond to interview requests but he told WFAA in Dallas in June that he remains focused on closing smoke shops. He compared the sale of hemp products in small convenience stores to the sale of heroin. As lawmakers return to the Capitol in January, the winner of the lieutenant governor’s race will hold substantial influence over future cannabis legislation. Early voting ends Friday, and Election Day is November 3.