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Happy Cactus Owner Todd Harris Testifies at Texas House Hearings on Hemp

Written by Todd Harris on . Posted in CBD News & Business. No Comments on Happy Cactus Owner Todd Harris Testifies at Texas House Hearings on Hemp

(Austin, TX) Todd Harris, co-owner of Austin, Texas-based The Happy Cactus Apothecary, testified in opposition to the anti-hemp bill Texas SB3. Harris spoke out against the bill during hearings conducted by the State Affairs Committee of the Texas House of Representatives on April 7, 2025.

 

Harris introduced his family-owned and legal hemp business to the committee. He explained in his testimony that:

 

  • All customers must prove they are 21+, even if they are the Lieutenant Governor of Texas.

 

  • Happy Cactus has passed each of four inspections by the Texas Department of Health Services during the past 18 months.

 

  • The legal hemp industry in Texas is a much more effective program for Texans than the Texas Compassionate Use Program. (TCUP)

 

  • Packaging is marketed to adults, not children. Look-alike products are not allowed.

 

  • QR codes are available for customers to view test results and analysis.

 

  • The local high school was informed by three letters that students are not allowed in the Happy Cactus.

 

A copy of Harris’ testimony is available below. It has been edited for clarity and space. The video of Harris’ testimony is available at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIMMlq5OJC0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Todd Harris

Good morning. Thank you all so much for volunteering your time to be here and listen to us. That’s an amazing thing, and we appreciate that. I do want to discuss a few points on why I am against SB3 and the three issues that I see with our current situation in Texas; I think we have at our shop (have a) slightly interesting perspective for three reasons. We have been inspected by DSHS (Texas Department of Health Services) four times in the last year and a half. The Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has visited our shop as well as we are across from a high school. If you have any questions about those, happy to answer; like I said, our shop has been inspected by DSHS four times in the last one and a half years, and we have passed with flying colors every time. I told the Lieutenant Governor this when he came into our shop, and he even said, it sounds like you guys are doing it right; we carded Dan Patrick.

 

We showed him we have our testing in (our) shop or via QR codes on each product we sell. We showed him we do not have packaging tailored towards children and showed him we don’t have any products over 25 milligrams per serving. So we were able to squash all the issues he has with the hemp industry all in one visit from just one of the amazing family-owned hemp business businesses here in Texas; Dan Patrick told me that he supports shops like ours that are doing it right. Feels very different from his attitude about it in the media.

 

One of the reasons we have been inspected so often is because TCUP (Texas Compassionate Use Program) did a piece with Texas Monthly last summer. This article called out eight shops in Texas, including ours, saying they tested our products and that we are selling illegal products. DSHS came to our shop the following week; we passed the inspection easily again. So why is TCUP trying to mess with businesses like ours? Probably because they know the hemp industry is a much more effective program for Texans than the Compassionate Use Program.

 

Additionally, the inspector, Mr. Chambers, told us that there are only eight inspectors in the entire state of Texas. How are eight people supposed to enforce the regulations already set in place, and why, especially with 8,000 shops, and he said he only goes to one shop or two, maybe a week. And why are they visiting our shop so often when we have shown we are in compliance?

 

State Representative John McQueeney asks a question

You said that your products had no more than 25 milligrams per serving indeed. How does that correlate to this .03 that we that is in the regulations?

 

Todd Harris

The 0.3%?

 

State Representative John McQueeney

Yes.

 

Todd Harris

The 0.3% is per dry weight. So, with an edible, you just have to make sure the edible is heavy enough or big enough that you can fit 25 milligrams in there and still be under 0.3% per dry weight. It’s actually very easy to do. They’re actually are very close to that already in Colorado, and California. We use Vegan gummies that are a little heavier.

 

State Representative John McQueeney 

Is that an intoxicating dose, or is that I’ve got PTSD, and it’s gonna make me calm down?

 

Todd Harris

So I think intoxicating is objective.

 

State Representative John McQueeney

Is it comparable to having a couple beers?

 

Todd Harris

Me and my wife take around 50 milligrams every time and or when we need to just have relief. For some people, 25 milligrams can just be relief. And for some people, it’s, you know, they can’t even feel it.

 

State Representative John McQueeney

There are some people that would get a euphoric feeling from that dosage, and some people that would not. Is what you’re saying?

 

Todd Harris

I agree.

 

State Representative John McQueeney

Yeah. Thank you

 

Todd Harris

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to mention, so I passed out a letter that we actually sent to the high school that we’re across from, letting them know that it’s trespassing for their students to enter our shop as well. And we sent that six months ago. We sent them three letters, and we actually have a meeting with the principal now, and that is something we’ve done before he even mentioned SB3. It’s something we’ve been doing for four years, keeping carding everyone in our shop.

 

For media interviews with Todd and Mickey Harris, Happy Cactus Owners, please contact Kevin Lampe at (312) 617-7280 or [email protected].

 

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A Tale of Two Bills to Decide Fate of Texas Hemp Industry

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative. No Comments on A Tale of Two Bills to Decide Fate of Texas Hemp Industry

In just days, the Texas hemp industry faces what may be its defining moment since legalization in 2019. The House State Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative Ken King, will convene Monday morning to hear testimony on two bills with starkly different visions for the future of hemp in Texas.

The hearing, scheduled for 8:00 AM on April 7 in room JHR 120, will feature two competing approaches to hemp regulation that could not be more different in their impact on the thousands of businesses and workers in this growing sector.

A Tale of Two Bills

House Bill 28, authored by Chairman King himself, represents a regulatory path forward. While imposing new restrictions—including age verification requirements, licensing standards, and quality controls—it allows the industry to continue operating under enhanced oversight. This approach acknowledges the economic reality that the hemp industry has become a significant contributor to the Texas economy.

In stark contrast stands Senate Bill 3, championed by Senator Perry and already passed by the Senate with Lieutenant Governor Patrick’s backing. This bill takes a prohibitionist stance, effectively banning most hemp-derived products beyond CBD and CBG. The practical effect would be the criminalization of businesses that have been operating legally since hemp was federalized and then legalized in Texas.

The Texas hemp industry must recognize this hearing as a truly existential moment. The difference between these bills is the difference between a future for hemp in Texas and no future at all.

The Stakes for Texas Businesses

For hemp entrepreneurs across Texas who have invested everything in building compliant businesses, Monday’s hearing represents a crossroads. Many have implemented strict age verification, comprehensive product testing, and responsible marketing practices that avoid targeting young people. Despite these efforts, SB 3 would shut down operations overnight, resulting in job losses throughout the supply chain.

These business owners aren’t alone. Thousands of Texans now work in hemp-related businesses across the state, from cultivation to manufacturing to retail. Many industry stakeholders emphasize they’re not opposed to reasonable regulation.

The hemp industry broadly acknowledges the need for age restrictions, quality control standards, and responsible business practices. The objection is to prohibition disguised as regulation—the difference between workable rules and an outright ban that destroys livelihoods.

Two Minutes to Make a Difference

Those planning to attend Monday’s hearing should note that public testimony will be limited to just two minutes per person—barely enough time to introduce oneself and make a few key points. This limitation makes preparation essential.

Industry advocates recommend business owners focus their brief testimony on concrete facts: business location, number of employees, economic impact, and specific measures implemented to prevent youth access. Those unable to attend in person can submit written comments electronically through the House website until the hearing concludes.

Experienced observers of the legislative process note that lawmakers respond best to personal stories with specific details. Effective testimony should explain exactly how SB 3 would affect individual businesses, employees, and communities while emphasizing support for appropriate regulation rather than prohibition.

Regulation vs. Prohibition

The fundamental question before the committee is whether Texas will embrace a regulated hemp market or attempt to put the genie back in the bottle through prohibition.

Historical evidence suggests prohibition rarely works as intended. Rather than eliminating products, prohibition typically drives markets underground, removing quality controls and age verification while enriching illicit operators. Meanwhile, legitimate businesses close, tax revenue disappears, and products simply flow in from neighboring states with more permissive laws, not to mention empowering drug cartels by creating a supply vacuum.

Economic analysts point out that prohibition doesn’t eliminate demand—it just changes who profits from it and removes safeguards for consumers.

The Time for Action

As Monday approaches, the Texas hemp industry faces its most significant challenge yet. The businesses that have operated transparently and responsibly since 2019 must now make their case directly to lawmakers that regulation, not prohibition, is the path forward.

Whether through in-person testimony, written comments, or direct outreach to committee members, every voice matters in this crucial debate about the future of hemp in Texas. For thousands of business owners and their employees, Monday’s hearing may well determine whether they have a future in this industry at all.

Committee Hearing Information

Time: 8:00 AM, Monday, April 7, 2025
Location: JHR 120, Texas Capitol
Committee: House State Affairs
Chair: Rep. Ken King

To Register for In-Person Testimony:
https://mytxlegis.capitol.texas.gov/HWRSPublic/About.aspx

To Submit Written Comments:
https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c450

Live Video Broadcast:
https://house.texas.gov/video-audio/

SB3 to be heard in Texas House State Affairs Committee

Written by Jesse Williams on . Posted in Legislative, Texas Legal & Regulatory News. No Comments on SB3 to be heard in Texas House State Affairs Committee

Monday morning at 8am the Texas House State Affairs Committee will begin, and will include SB3 on their agenda for the day along with HB 28.

This does not mean that the committee will hear the bill the first thing in the morning. It is possible that other bills may be added and heard first with minimal testimony, just to get them out of the way.

At the time of writing though only the two hemp bills sit on the agenda for the committee that day. It could be expected that many people show up and something similar to what Texans saw in the Senate committee hearing could take place with it being an all day hearing of testimony.

THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE FOR TEXANS TO VOICE ON THE RECORD WHAT THEIR CONCERNS ARE WITH SB3

If you are a shop owner and your livelihood is on the line because of this bill, this hearing should be priority for you. This is the last time and only time in the House that your testimony can go on the official record and everyone gets a chance to testify.

The hearing will take place in the Reagan building in room JHR20. That’s on the 2nd floor of the Reagan Building which can be located on the map above circled in red. You must register at the capitol the day of the hearing to testify. Testimony will be limited to 2 min and the House hearing are usually strict on the 2 min time limit unlike the Senate which gives some leniency.

To submit written testimony to the Texas House, prepare a concise document (ideally under 3-5 minutes worth of reading try to stay within 1 to 2 pages max) and submit it to the committee clerk, along with 20 copies for the committee members, before or during the hearing.

TIPS ON CRAFTING and GIVING TESTIMONY

Stories that are common are not bad, but get repetitive and implicitly unwanted as they become memorable in a more negative light than positive. Give your original perspective, listen to other testify and mold your own verbal testimony to what others have noted as to not overlap so much.  It is not advised that one speak on medical topics as though they are medical experts unless they are a medical expert, the Senate is using this against the industry in that it proposed they should be in the medical program (despite its gross limitations).

To go over this again, this is meaning don’t talk like a medical expert or the medical relief it gives you or your clients. Therapeutics is one thing, but discussing THCa like its the fuel for healing everything is not a good move.

If you have any questions, feel free to message us through our contact page, social media accounts Facebook and Instagram, or even on LinkedIn. We want to be organized and professional.

And last but not least, dress business casual or business professional. A good rule of thumb is dress LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO COURT AND GOING TO BE IN FRONT A JUDGE. The Capitol is an official court house and the attire of such meetings is expected to be approximate as such. Dressing as though you are going to a grunge concert in the middle of Iowa give an impression of a lack of concern or care for your attendance and the gravity of the matter at hand.

Just relax and be calm

It is an emotional hell ride at times and the mileage of what you feel may vary. That’s okay. Anger and Sadness are not uncommon, but it is not justification to go into a physical tantrum. It can get you removed from the building and it doesn’t look good. And do not use foul language, it isn’t classy to sound like a salty sailor pulling into Baltimore.

Texas, lets go defend our market and get the right moves made to make our market even better with proper regulations.

 

Story originally appeared on our with colleagues website at Texas Cannabis Collective:

SB3 to be heard in Texas House State Affairs Committee

CRAFT Leads the Way in Hemp Compliance as SB 3 Threatens Industry

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative, Texas Legal & Regulatory News. No Comments on CRAFT Leads the Way in Hemp Compliance as SB 3 Threatens Industry

CRAFT Leads the Way in Hemp Compliance as SB 3 Threatens Industry

 

As the Texas Legislature debates SB 3—a bill that would ban all THC products—responsible hemp retailers across the state are stepping up to protect their businesses, their customers, and their communities.

 

For the past 18 months, Texas hemp industry advocates, business owners, policy and legal experts have worked to create a set of training modules, model store manuals, SOPs and other compliance-related business standards that can be adopted statewide to assist small businesses with building their compliance and sales capacity while pushing back against the false narratives being used to push the Prohibitionist ban agenda. The Cannabis Retailers Alliance for Texas (CRAFT) is a multi-sector industry-led effort to prove that the hemp industry is capable of self-regulation. Our members have voluntarily implemented a 21+ age policy, adopted rigorous product sourcing and testing standards, and developed a comprehensive Retailer Playbook to help businesses stay compliant in a shifting legal environment.

 

Our members didn’t wait for politicians to tell them what’s right,” said Jay Maguire, CRAFT co-founder and spokesperson. “Moral panics don’t start with facts—they start with fear. And that’s exactly what Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry relied on: Reefer Madness-style scare tactics and cherry-picked anecdotes. Even when the stories were true, they were outliers—not the norm. The vast majority of retailers are doing the right thing. CRAFT members voluntarily enforce a 21+ age policy and card every customer at the point of sale—just like alcohol and tobacco. That’s what responsible businesses do.”

 

When Lt. Governor Dan Patrick visited Happy Cactus shop in Austin last week unannounced and looking for evidence of super-high THC products, he was expecting a political “gotcha” moment. What he found instead was a professional, compliant business, stocked with compliant products and operated with trained staff following company policy, carding customers and following best practices. That’s not politics—that’s policy in action.

 

Key leaders in the hemp space are weighing in:

 

• Rhiannon Yard, owner of Hemp Gaia, says: “We teach retailers how to verify COAs match the products on their shelves and ensure lab tests were done using the correct methods at accredited labs. That’s how we protect our customers and our licenses.”

 

• Nick Mortillaro, owner of Lazydaze Coffeeshops, adds: “Retailers need to cut through the buzz and noise with real, evidence-based education. That’s what CRAFT provides.”

 

• Brian Dombrowsky, owner of Aim High Distro, says: “CRAFT helps business owners stay licensed and build trust by educating their communities about what they do.”

 

The public already supports this approach. Polls show that 68% of Texans favor safe, regulated access to THC—and the $8 billion Texas hemp market proves they’re voting with their wallets.

 

📣 To read the full press release or to join the movement, visit joincraft.org

 

If you’d like to learn more, speak with a CRAFT spokesperson, or schedule a visit to one of our member retailers, feel free to reach out directly.

 

 

 

Best regards,

Jay Maguire

CRAFT Co-founder and Spokesperson

📧 [email protected]

📞 512-954-8054

Happy Cactus Team “Cards” Texas Lt. Governor

Written by texashempreporter on . Posted in Business, News.

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Visits Responsibly-Managed Austin-Based Legal-Hemp Retailer

 

Yesterday, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick visited the Happy Cactus, a legal hemp retailer in Austin, Texas. When Patrick entered the store, the employees asked for identification to verify his age. He complied and showed his ID, proving he was over 21.

 

The Happy Cactus team followed the standards of best practices established by the Cannabis Retailers Alliance for Texas and other organizations. Patrick asked about gummies and if products with more than 50mg per serving of hemp were available. Co-owner Todd Harris informed him products with more than 50mg per serving are NOT available in the store.

 

Patrick claimed that students from Crockett High School had been in the store. Harris said everyone who enters the store is asked for identification to prove they are over 21. Harris’ attorney sent Crockett High School administrators a letter warning students not to trespass in the store. The letter was sent more than six months ago.

 

“We are proud of our team here at Happy Cactus. They handled the visit according to the best practices of Texas hemp retailers and with professionalism and respect,” said Harris. “We are proud to provide a legal product that helps many people in our community, including veterans and seniors.”

 

“We are grateful that Lieutenant Governor Patrick decided to investigate stores on his own. We are very pleased that he chose Happy Cactus because they are one of the best examples of how to run a store properly. It’s obvious that they carry quality products for people in need and take extreme precautions to ensure their products do not fall into the wrong hands. They even ‘carded” Lieutenant Governor Patrick without knowing who he was,” stated David Sergi of Sergi & Associates.

 

“Lieutenant Governor Patrick came into Happy Cactus, our Client’s store, and saw that we do things correctly. He learned that we had sent a no-trespass letter to Crockett High School because we didn’t want their students in our store. He also learned that their students no longer attempt to come into our store. Happy Cactus does things right like most of our industry,” said David Sergi.

judge's gavel with hemp flower

 

A video of the visit is here: https://www.dropbox.com/t/CvXgh9fbTRXidBSJ

 

For media interviews with Todd and Mickey Harris, Happy Cactus Owners, or David Sergi, Attorney for Happy Cactus, please contact Kevin Lampe at (312) 617-7280 or [email protected].

 

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Lt Dan. Making House Calls

Written by texashempreporter on . Posted in News.

In an effort to remain vigilant and true to his word Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is now making house calls to area store owners in a measure of enforcement that goes right to the top!

Employees of south Austin store owner Todd Harris of the Happy Cactus were greeted with questions about products his stores sell and legal dosing and compliance concerns as any grandmother might before making a legal purchase of CBD cream, or maybe a Texas Veteran who was looking for a gummy for a better night’s sleep.

Only this “house-call” was made by none other than Mr. SB 3 himself, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. 

Happy Cactus, like many industry retailers are following a set of best compliance practices which are part of a statewide effort led by organizations such as (CRAFT) Cannabis Retailers Alliance for Texas.

According to Harris, Dan Patrick came in and asked about gummies and how many milligrams he had on certain legal-hemp products. Staff members provided info on one such item that was 50mg to the Lt. Governor as more questions ensued. Harris explained that products over 50mg are not available at his stores.

The Texas lawmaker also entered a line of questioning to Harris that alleged that students from nearby Crockett High School had come into the Happy Cactus when Happy Cactus staff insured Patrick that they not only card everyone that attends its establishment, but under his attorney’s advice they have sent the school a trespass warning so students know not to visit. That notice was delivered over six months ago.

“Lieutenant governor Patrick came into our Client store and found out that we do things the right way. He was even carded. He learned that we had sent a no trespass letter to Crockett high school because we don’t want their students in our store and he also learned that their students no longer attempt to come into our store and that we do things right like most of the rest of our industry. ” – Stated David Sergi the attorney of record for the south Austin retailer.

AUDIO FILE OF PART OF VISIT

Security Video of Happy Cactus shows Patrick and his staffers coming into the south Austin store for an official visit.  Unresponsive to Happy Cactus employees request for ID the Lt. Governor of Texas went on to explain that he was “Dan Patrick”. The Employee still demanded the identification. Afterwards, Todd Harris was notified by staff of the cordial visit by the top Texas lawmaker.

Harris and Sergi both emphasized that  “we are grateful that Lieutenant governor Patrick decided to investigate stores on his own and very pleased that he chose Happy Cactus because they are one of the best examples of how to do how to run a store properly. It’s obvious that they carry quality products for people in need and take extreme precautions to ensure their products dont fall into the wrong hands. They even carded lieutenant governor Patrick without knowing who he was.” stated David Sergi of Sergi & Associates.

 

Details of the Call can be heard here, and the security tape recorded the visit.

The Happy Cactus is located at 5700 Menchaca Rd Ste # 520 and is owned by brothers Mickey & Todd Harris from Austin TX.

[ Happy Cactus was profiled on the Texas Hemp Reporter website last year after a hit-piece questioning testing methods of the hemp industry made waves in Texas Monthly last August.] – links to article –

Texas Advocacy for Hemp: Life Rafts vs. Torpedoes

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative.

 

The Texas Legislature is not kind to perceived bad industries that show division. Lawmakers, especially those in the governing party, are well-practiced in divide-and-rule. When they see infighting, they exploit it. When they see an industry that can’t even align on its own interests, they stop taking it seriously. That is why survival in this fight depends entirely on solidarity.

 
And yet, Bayou City Hemp just made the worst possible mistake. By circulating a flyer in the Capitol calling for a ban on all smokable hemp—without even informing their own trade association leaders—they didn’t just undermine the industry’s collective voice. They handed prohibitionists exactly what they wanted: proof that even we aren’t convinced of our own legitimacy.

It’s as if, seeing the torpedo in the water, Bayou City launched their own life raft, hoping to save themselves before the ship went down. But that’s not how this works. The prohibitionists don’t see them as allies—they see them as easy targets. The second the industry collapses, Bayou City’s raft won’t be spared. It will be machine-gunned like the rest. And in the process, they’ve weakened the entire industry’s argument for reasonable regulation. Instead of presenting a united front to lawmakers, they’ve reinforced the very narrative prohibitionists are pushing—that this is an industry that cannot regulate itself and therefore must be banned altogether.

 

If they truly believed in this course of action, they should have done it the right way—resigning from the board, stating their case within industry discussion groups  and working with the professional advocates and advocacy groups—who are expert at understanding the political landscape, the unwritten rules, and finding ways to win when weaker sisters panic—to find a compromises and creative solutions. For example, the main knock on our industry right now is the largely unproven allegation that we sell and market to kids. While we can all agree that mimicking brands of children cereals and candies is a bad look, there’s no Joe Camel-level duplicity happening here but the narrative is established and refuting it costs more energy than we any benefit we’d derive from engaging in the “I know you are, but what am I?” tropes that so often ensue in similar circumstances.

 

The answer: we’ve been working diligently to identify and refine technologies that make it much less chancy when it comes to age gating—as an upcoming article in Special Legislative issue of the Texas Hemp Reporter will demonstrate, harnessing the power of AI and facial recognition tightens up on the one area of weakness we all admit we have—consistent carding of customers and retail clerks who are 100% compliant and on the ball every single transaction.

 
As you’ll see from the machines, we can show law makers we’ve got it figured out and seek collaboration on areas of alignment, not mindless deflection to other players in industry when we feel out own interests threatened. This is just one example of what Bayou City might have done. Instead, they’ve set the stage for a circular firing squad within the industry, betraying the broader interests they had at least an arguable duty to represent and doing the prohibitionists’ work of undermining credibility for them.
Now is the time for discipline, not desperation. If we want lawmakers to treat this as a mature, responsible industry worthy of negotiation, we need to act like one. Anything less, and we are simply making the case for our own demise.

Hemp Wars: Lt. Dan Marches Senate into Kill-Zone

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative.

Political Commentary | Jay Maguire – Political Editor Texas Hemp Reporter –
Senate Bill 3, introduced by Senator Charles Perry and backed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, represents Texas’ most aggressive crackdown on hemp-derived cannabinoids. The bill would ban all cannabinoids except CBD and CBG, effectively outlawing products containing delta-8 and delta-9 THC, which have flourished due to legal gray areas. Supporters argue that these products pose safety risks, particularly to minors, while opponents see the bill as an unnecessary expansion of government control that would cripple Texas’ legal hemp industry.
But this legislation isn’t just about hemp—it’s part of a broader far-right agenda in Texas, where Patrick and Perry have used their power to push extreme culture war policies. Patrick, in particular, has been instrumental in Texas’ hard-right turn, attacking public education, LGBTQ+ rights, and any form of marijuana legalization under the guise of protecting “traditional values.” This latest push to ban hemp-derived cannabinoids aligns with their long-standing efforts to extend the failed War on Drugs, despite mounting evidence that criminalization doesn’t work.
The financial backing behind this movement is critical to understanding what’s happening. Patrick’s biggest donor, West Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn, has poured millions into reshaping Texas politics, funding primary challenges against Republicans who aren’t conservative enough. Dunn’s money has fueled attacks on public education, voting rights, and any policy that doesn’t fit his ultra-conservative, Christian nationalist vision for the state. In that context, SB3 isn’t just about hemp—it’s about control. It’s another example of Texas’ political machine prioritizing ideological battles over economic freedom, despite the fact that the hemp industry has created jobs and generated revenue for the state.
If SB3 passes, it will take effect on September 1, 2025, with retailers required to comply by January 1, 2026. But for Patrick and Perry, the bill’s impact goes beyond just shutting down hemp businesses—it’s part of a larger strategy to shape Texas in their far-right image, using the War on Drugs as a tool to maintain power.

The Parable of the Two Molecules

Written by Clay Moore on . Posted in Cultivation.

On a quiet morning in a town that could be anywhere—though, in truth, it sits under a
blazing Texan sun—two figures stand at a crossroads. One is an old farmer, face lined
with decades of toiling in the fields, familiar with the gentle hum of wind through
cannabis leaves. He smiles easily, remembering a time when all he had was the plant,
its naturally occurring Delta-9 THC dancing beneath the sun, a secret he could trust.
The other figure, a young chemist in a crisp white lab coat, fresh from a makeshift
laboratory hidden behind a steel door, cradles a vial of something new, something
strange: a synthesized cannabinoid conjured not by nature, but by human ingenuity.

They meet by a rickety wooden sign that reads: “HEMP—0.3% THC LIMIT.” It’s a relic
from a not-so-distant past, a guideline that changed the course of everything. On one
side of the sign, fields of hemp sway under legally sanctioned skies, their Delta-9 THC
content tightly bound by regulation. On the other side, a world of possibility and
confusion blooms—hemp-derived molecules twisted, converted, and reshaped into
something both eerily familiar and unstintingly new: Delta-8, THCP, HHC, and more.

The farmer remembers a hypothetical: If you could hop into a time machine—say, back
to 2018—and whisper in the ear of a president, “Legalize cannabis outright,” would all of
this tinkering have been necessary? Would there be a room full of chemists bending
molecules to comply with laws rather than to discover truth? One timeline might have
yielded an abundance of natural Delta-9 THC, openly grown, studied, and enjoyed
without the shadowy dance around percentages. But in the timeline we have, clever
minds spotted a legal loophole and seized it. Thus, a new era was born.

The chemist, for their part, isn’t some cartoon villain. They are a seeker of knowledge.
They might say, “Nature is wondrous, but so is the human mind. If we can create a
molecule that offers therapeutic benefits that Delta-9 can’t, why not do it?” Yet the
farmer counters, “If we’d just started by legalizing the original plant, would we have even
bothered? Isn’t Mother Nature’s original blueprint enough?”

People come from all corners to argue. Some say these synthetic cannabinoids have
opened doors: they’ve allowed consumers in places like Texas to experience something
close to the Delta-9 high without openly defying the law. They’ve ushered in a future
where new pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals might arise—substances that could help
ailments where old solutions fell short. Others warn of unknown dangers. Unregulated
synthetics have sent people reeling into hospital beds, their minds spinning into worlds
they never wanted to see. Safety data is thin, and no one’s quite sure what happens
when these new molecules dance in human biology over the long term.
In the distance, smoke rises from another battlefield. Texas lawmakers threaten to end
all THC sales—Delta-9, Delta-8, and everything in between—citing confusion, public

safety, and unforeseen consequences of the hemp loophole. Thousands of shop
owners face ruin. Consumers who rely on these cannabinoids for relief may lose their
access entirely. This ban wouldn’t just target the chemists and the labs; it would also
strike at the humble farmers and their fields of green. One might ask: Whose fault is this
tightening noose? The natural Delta-9 that sparked fear long ago, or the synthetic
creations that emerged only because Delta-9 was kept at arm’s length?
And what of medicine? The Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) only permits
naturally occurring cannabinoids. There’s a sanctity, it seems, in what the plant chooses
to provide. Yet, shouldn’t we at least ask if the new synthetics deserve study and
scrutiny in clinical environments? Could they be tamed, understood, and perhaps one
day trusted? Or should they remain at the edges, a wild frontier too dangerous to bring
into the doctor’s office?

These questions swirl like smoke in the twilight air. The farmer and the chemist watch
the horizon. They know lawmakers, lobbyists, patients, and business owners are all
involved—everyone is shouting, everyone is pushing, everyone is pulling. It’s a war of
definitions: What is natural? What is safe? What should be allowed? And beneath these
questions lies an even deeper one: Who are we to decide what belongs in our bodies,
and at what cost?

By now, we are all standing at that crossroads, squinting into a future fogged by
uncertainty. Does the “natural” inherently mean safer, better, more ethical? Or does
human innovation hold a torch that illuminates pathways nature never considered? If
time were reversed, would we just legalize Delta-9 THC and spare ourselves this maze
of molecular modifications? Or would we still crave something new, different, and
perhaps better?

scientist experimenting with cannabis in the lab made with AI

In the end, the figures fade, and we are left with the riddle itself. Just as Hamlet once
pondered “To be or not to be,” we are left wondering: to inhale the old ways or embrace
the new; to trust nature’s leaf or trust the alchemy of the lab; to ban them all or find a
delicate balance.

We stand, each of us, at that same dusty crossroads, knowing there is no easy answer.
In our hesitation, we discover that we are not truly debating chemistry or law. We are
asking who we are as a society—our values, our hopes, our fears. And perhaps, in that
silent pause, we will learn something about existence itself.

A Crossroads for the Texas Hemp Industry

Written by texashempreporter on . Posted in Business, CBD News & Business.

Dear Readers, and Industry Colleagues

As we step into 2025, it’s impossible to ignore the pivotal moment we’re facing in the Texas hemp industry. The announcement of Senate Bill 3 has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of hemp in our state. For years, The Texas Hemp Reporter has been a steadfast advocate and resource for this industry, highlighting its innovation, resilience, and potential. But now, more than ever, we need your support to ensure this voice continues to resonate.

Our mission has always been to provide a platform for education, activism, and industry updates that empower Texas hemp leaders and entrepreneurs.

Unfortunately, without sufficient backing from industry leaders through advertising revenue, we face difficult decisions about how frequently we can publish in 2025. It’s a stark reality: without your investment, the magazine that champions this industry may not remain as consistent or impactful as we all need it to be.

Despite these challenges, we are not standing still. This February, we are excited to debut Blazed Magazine, a new recreational-focused product that brings fresh energy to the cannabis conversation.

Alongside it, Blazed Weekly News and our new podcast will aim to expand our reach, building bridges with new audiences and opportunities. While these ventures offer promise, our hope is that they can complement—not replace—the foundational work we’ve done with The Texas Hemp Reporter.

This publication has always been more than just a magazine. It’s been a movement, a community, and a critical voice for an industry that deserves recognition and growth. But we can’t do it alone. If you believe in what we’ve built and the future we can achieve together, I urge you to stand with us—through advertising, partnerships, and collaboration.

With your support, we can continue to shine a light on the evolving Texas hemp market and likely remain a quarterly cornerstone for this community in 2025 and beyond.

Blazed Magazine will offer the recreational advertisers, smoke brands and culture of the plant a fun and entertaining avenue for our industry while keeping the Texas Hemp Reporter our authoritative and respected industry publication.  Thank you for your continued dedication to this cause. Let’s face these challenges together and create a future where Texas hemp thrives.

We are working on our Legislative Edition this February and plan to release this special issue to lawmakers in March. With your support we can tell the Texas lawmakers why we deserve the opportunity to lead the nation in the growing Hemp industries in the United States.

Texas Legislative Edition Rate Card for advertising.

Warm regards,

Russell Dowden
Publisher | CEO

T&T Roots Opens First Storefront in Lufkin

Written by Rachel Nelson on . Posted in Cultivation.

This past year has been good to Luke Temple of T&T Roots. On Oct. 18, he was crowned the first-ever Texas Terpene King for his Legendary Platinum OG Rosin, which placed first in the Taste of Texas Hemp Cup’s premiere concentrates competition.

 

Temple launched his organic hemp farm in 2021, and on Nov. 1, he achieved a new milestone — opening a storefront in downtown Lufkin. A ribbon cutting will take place Jan. 9 at the store, located at 120-A E. Lufkin Ave.

 

“It’s been phenomenal,” Temple said. “I’m probably going to start opening more days of the week.”

 

For now, the store is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Temple sells products from other Texas brands in his store, such as Tejas Tonic, Oak Cliff Cultivators and Kache.

 

“Everything is Texas farmers, Texas owned, Texas branded,” he said.

 

Things have certainly taken a turn for the better, as it wasn’t long ago that the local Chamber of Commerce denied T&T Roots’ vendor application for the Texas Forest Festival — an East Texas tradition that takes place in Lufkin.

 

But as the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” So Temple joined the Lufkin Chamber and began winning the community over with his hemp-based health and wellness products. Before long, T&T was nominated for newcomer business of the year.

 

“Once I joined the Chamber, I really started changing everybody’s point of view, and they could see it was helping them and helping their friends,” Temple said.

 

As for future plans, Temple said his next goal is to open a store in Nacogdoches. He is also in talks to help bring THC-infused beverage options to a local brewery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champs Trade Show Las Vegas Winter

Written by texashempreporter on . Posted in CBD News & Business.

The CHAMPS Trade Show, a cornerstone event in the counterculture industry since
1999, is set to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from February 12th to 15th,
2025.

This premier business-to-business expo brings together a diverse array of exhibitors,
including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, glass artists, and suppliers, all
showcasing a vast selection of smoking accessories, counterculture products, clothing,
hand-blown glass, and other specialty gifts.

Attendees can look forward to the renowned CHAMPS Glass Games, a live
glassblowing competition featuring elite artists vying for cash prizes and industry
recognition.

Additionally, the event offers numerous networking opportunities, informative keynote
sessions, and panels led by industry leaders, providing valuable insights into the latest
trends and innovations.

For those planning to attend, CHAMPS has secured special hotel deals. Rooms at
Tuscany Suites0 & Casino start at $89 per night, available from February 10th to 17th,
2025, with no resort fee and complimentary shuttle service to the convention center.
This deal ends on January 10th. Additionally, Resorts World offers rooms ranging from
$95 to $275 per night between February 9th and 15th, 2025.

As the premier counterculture B2B expo, CHAMPS Trade Shows provide an
unparalleled platform for businesses to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead
in a thriving marketplace. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or industry enthusiast,
this event is a must-attend to experience the forefront of counterculture trends and
innovations.

For Buyers:
CHAMPS offers retailers access to exclusive deals, cutting-edge products, and
connections with top brands and industry leaders. Attendees can discover the latest
trends, witness live glass art competitions through the CHAMPS Glass Games, and
benefit from a dynamic atmosphere conducive to business growth. The event is free to
attend but is strictly business-to-business and not open to the public. All attendees must
be at least 18 years old and provide two forms of business identification, such as a
reseller’s license, seller’s permit, business license, or tax ID.

For Exhibitors:

Exhibiting at CHAMPS provides a unique platform to showcase products to a diverse
and influential audience, facilitating market expansion and the formation of international

partnerships. The event is renowned for innovation and trendsetting within the
counterculture industry, offering exhibitors invaluable insights, exposure, and networking
opportunities that can drive business growth and success.
Each 10×10 booth includes an 8-foot table, a chair, a wastebasket, pipe and drape, and
up to four vendor badges. Larger booths receive proportional amenities. Additional
furnishings, carpet, and electricity can be ordered through the Exhibitor Kit. A 50%
deposit is due at the time of booking, with full payment required 45 days before the
show. Badge registration instructions are provided approximately one month before the
event, contingent upon a signed contract and full payment.
For more information and to register as a buyer or exhibitor, visit
https://champstradeshows.com/

Cultivating Wellness: The Journey of Endozondo Farm

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Cultivation.

Endozondo Farm, a Texas-based hemp operation, was born from a passion for natural wellness and a desire to offer affordable alternatives to traditional medicine. Founded by Arturo Elizondo and his family, the farm’s mission goes beyond cultivation—they are committed to sustainable farming, community education, and elevating Texas as a leader in the hemp industry. In this interview, Elizondo shares the inspiration behind Endozondo Farm, the sustainable practices that drive their work, and his vision for a future where Texas-grown hemp is recognized and celebrated nationwide.

What inspired the founding of Endozondo Farm, and how did it evolve into a hemp-focused operation?

  • We were inspired by seeing friends and family face legal consequences for using a natural plant to find relief from various ailments. This fueled our passion to offer people an affordable, natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Can you describe the specific types of hemp you cultivate and the primary products you produce?

  • We focus on cultivating unique hemp genetics tailored to our customers’ needs. Potency and purity are our top priorities, which drive our selection and pheno-hunting processes.

What sustainable farming practices does Endozondo Farm implement to ensure environmental responsibility?

  • We use coco coir as a growing medium, which we recycle multiple times for both veg and flower stages. Our targeted watering cycles allow us to conserve water throughout the day.

How does Endozondo Farm contribute to the local community and the hemp industry in Texas?

  • We actively participate in local farmers’ markets and sponsor community events. Education on health and wellness is a big part of our mission, as well as supporting The Elizondo Foundation, our family’s nonprofit organization.

What challenges have you faced in the hemp farming industry, and how have you overcome them?

  • Texas lawmakers often seem more supportive of out-of-state interests, allowing them to sell products statewide while Texas farmers face restrictive regulations. We hope to see lawmakers prioritize Texas-grown products, giving local farmers a fair chance to thrive.

Can you share the story behind the name “Endozondo” and its significance to your mission?

  • The name combines “Endo,” for the endocannabinoid system, and “Zondo” from our family name, Elizondo. It reflects our commitment to harnessing natural plant properties

What role does innovation play in your farming techniques and product development?

  • We keep our processes straightforward, using automated watering systems and climate control to monitor grow conditions. For the most part, we let the plants thrive naturally, intervening only to optimize their health.

How do you ensure the quality and safety of your hemp products from cultivation to market?

  • Quality starts with maintaining controlled environments and a strict integrated pest management (IPM) protocol. We prioritize cleanliness, advance planning, and state-approved testing to ensure our products are safe and reliable.

What advice would you give to new farmers interested in starting their own hemp operations in Texas?

  • Educate yourself thoroughly and be prepared for long hours. Stay committed, and just go for it.

What are your future goals for Endozondo Farm, and how do you envision the growth of the hemp industry in Texas?

  • Our goal is to keep producing high-quality hemp with our customers’ wellness in mind, while continuing to educate the community on health. We see Texas becoming a hemp powerhouse, with a thriving local industry that supports our state’s farmers.

For more information, please go to: www.EndoZondo.com.

 

 

Lt. Governor’s Prohibition Push: History Repeats in Texas Hemp Debate

Written by Jay Maguire on . Posted in Legislative.

 

When Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced Senate Bill 3 to ban all forms of THC in Texas, he drew from a familiar political playbook. His declaration that “thousands of stores have opened to sell all types of dangerous products with unlimited THC” echoes rhetoric used to justify cannabis prohibition in the 1930s, when claims about “reefer madness” helped drive federal policy.

 

The Texas Hemp Federation, through Executive Director Jay Maguire, responded: “The Lt. Governor’s characterization ignores basic facts about our industry. Legal hemp businesses employing thousands of Texans are providing safe, tested products while generating over a billion dollars in tax revenue. This isn’t about public safety – it’s about politics.”

Patrick’s announcement comes as multiple studies show regulated hemp markets reduce illegal sales and provide safer alternatives for consumers. States with strict regulation rather than prohibition consistently report better outcomes for both public health and law enforcement resources.

 

The timing is particularly notable given recent challenges to the “tough on drugs” political narrative. As more states move toward regulated markets, evidence continues to mount that prohibition creates more problems than it solves. Even traditionally conservative states have begun embracing hemp’s economic benefits while implementing sensible regulations.

 

Law enforcement perspectives have also evolved. Many departments now prefer focusing resources on actually dangerous substances rather than hemp products. Some Texas police chiefs have publicly stated that regulated hemp markets make their jobs easier by clearly distinguishing legal from illegal products.

 

The economic stakes are substantial. Beyond direct revenue and employment, Texas’ hemp industry supports numerous ancillary businesses from agriculture to retail. Local communities across the state have come to depend on hemp-related commerce and tax revenue for essential services.

 

“History teaches us that prohibition doesn’t eliminate demand – it just drives markets underground,” notes the Federation’s statement. “We’ve built a transparent, regulated industry that protects consumers and supports communities. Dismantling it would only benefit illegal operators.”

The proposed ban faces several hurdles, including potential federal preemption under the Farm Bill and likely legal challenges from affected businesses. Previous attempts at administrative prohibition have already been blocked by Texas courts.

 

For now, the industry continues operating under existing regulations while preparing for what promises to be a defining legislative battle. The outcome may well determine whether Texas embraces evidence-based policy or returns to failed strategies of the past.

 

[Note: This article represents ongoing coverage. The Texas Hemp Reporter will continue following developments as this story unfolds.]

 

AI generated courtroom illustration

Jury Finds LoneStar Farms, LLC, “d/b/a” Sweet Sensi Committed Constructive Fraud Against CenTex CBD

Written by texashempreporter on . Posted in Business. 4 Comments on Jury Finds LoneStar Farms, LLC, “d/b/a” Sweet Sensi Committed Constructive Fraud Against CenTex CBD

LoneStar Does Not Own Trade Secrets Listed in Court Filings

CenTex CBD beat back a claim by LoneStar Farms LLC, better known as Sweet Sensi, and their lawyer, Lisa Pittman, of misappropriation of trade secrets and intellectual property and allegations of unethical conduct. This ruling of Constructive Fraud and other charges against Sweet Sensi will have significant implications for the rapidly growing and changing hemp industry in Texas.

During the case, Greg Autry of Sweet Sensi attacked Wyatt Larew of Wyatt Purp and the Texas Hemp Reporter in an advertisement published in The Austin Chronicle on October 25, 2024. The jury verdict completely vindicated Larew and the Texas Hemp Reporter for its initial coverage of the case.

“Sweet Sensi tried to cover up its bad behavior and questionable business practices by attacking me. I am grateful that the jury ruled in CenTex’s favor and vindicated me. I am disappointed in my former attorney, Lisa Pittman, who took a contradictory position after providing a legal opinion for me. Justice is the winner this week. Also, Hemp businesses in Texas won because bad actors need to be exposed, and ethical standards must be respected,” said Larew.

The conduct of Sweet Sensi’s lawyer, Pittman, has come into question. During the legal process, Pitman moved the case to District court from small claims court, which allowed Sweet Sensi to counter-sue for $250k-1 million in damages. While the trial was progressing, CenTex asked the judge to sanction Pittman. The judge agreed and sanctioned her. Additionally, the judge found it necessary to remind Pittman of her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, raising the concern that her actions could be viewed as criminal, not just unethical.

“The Texas Hemp Reporter bases our reporting on court filings and public documents. Factual court reporting does not require commentary for the parties involved to “spin” us with their interpretation of court proceedings,” said Russell Dowden, Publisher of the Texas Hemp Reporter.

In this case, the jury ruled that Sweet Sensi did not own certain trade secrets, which contradicts what Autry of Sweet Sensi said in his paid advertisement.

“In my opinion, the jury did a good job seeing through the thinly veiled arguments presented by Sweet Sensi attempting to misuse trade secrets and the patent process. Hemp businesses must maintain their integrity so we can continue to supply products for the people who need them the most,” said David Sergi, Attorney for Wyatt Purp and other hemp-related businesses.

{What Does the Future of Hemp hold for the Lone Star State? Operators will be more accountable to retailers moving forward.}

In addition to finding Sweet Sensi committed constructive fraud, the jury returned unanimous verdicts, finding that Sweet Sensi engaged in false, misleading, deceptive, and unconscionable actions when the jury answered the following questions.

  • Did LoneStar engage in any false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice that CenTex relied on to its detriment and that was a producing cause of damages to CenTex? Jury said Yes.
  • Did LoneStar engage in any unconscionable action or course of action that was a producing cause of damages to CenTex? Jury said Yes.
  • Did CenTex and LoneStar agree that CenTex’s cherry limeade gumdrops ordered from LoneStar would come with red sugar and contain approximately 15 mg of Delta 8 per gumdrop? Jury said Yes.
  • Did CenTex and LoneStar agree that LoneStar would provide shelf-ready/consumer-ready gumdrops to CenTex? Jury said Yes.
  • Did LoneStar fail to comply with its agreement with CenTex, if any? Jury says Yes.
  • Did CenTex substantially rely to its detriment on LoneStar’s promises), if any, and, if so, was CenTex’s reliance foreseeable by LoneStar? Jury said Yes.
  • Did LoneStar obtain a benefit from CenTex by fraud or the taking of an undue advantage? Jury said Yes.
  • Did LoneStar fail to comply with the Manufacturing Service Agreement? Jury said Yes.
  • Did LoneStar own a trade secret in the formula, pattern, compilation, program, method, technique, process, or list of actual or potential customers listed below?
    • 1. The rosin-based process used to design and manufacture LoneStar’s rosin-based products. Jury said No.
    • 2. The process for designing and manufacturing LoneStar’s rosin base. Jury said No.
    • 3. The process for designing and manufacturing LoneStar’s rosin-based products. Jury said No.
    • 4. The process for designing and manufacturing LoneStar’s vape cartridges and gummy products. Jury said No.

In addition to these findings, LoneStar Farms LLC dba Sweet Sensi must pay monetary damages to CenTex CDB.

Additional steps related to the people and businesses involved in this case will be taken in the coming weeks. We will continue to inform the public about any developments.

For media interviews. Please contact Kevin Lampe at (312) 617-7280 or [email protected].

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