With the rapid growth of the hemp industry in Texas, upcoming events and workshops offer invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, acquire practical insights, and engage in meaningful advocacy. These events highlight sustainable practices, provide updates on regulatory developments, and showcase innovative applications of hemp.
Organized by the Texas Hemp Coalition, this two-day summit will explore hemp market trends, sustainable farming, and regulatory developments. Attendees can participate in networking sessions, workshops, and policy discussions, focusing on hemp’s environmental and economic impact.
Discover the World of Hemp with Expert Dora Wilson-Jefferson. Join renowned hemp grower and author Dora Wilson-Jefferson for an engaging two-hour training session to empower beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to expand your expertise, this event offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the hemp industry and its many applications. This session covers topics such as: exploring hemp’s versatility and discovering the wide range of uses and benefits of hemp, from wellness products to sustainable materials. Learning to stay ahead of trends: Gain insights into the latest industry trends and uncover emerging business opportunities to master best practices including understanding proven strategies and techniques for cultivating hemp successfully and maximizing your yields
This summit brings together builders, architects, and environmental advocates to explore innovative uses of hemp in construction. Sessions will cover topics such as hempcrete applications, sustainable design, and eco-friendly building materials. Attendees will also take a guided tour of local projects using hemp-based materials, offering real-world insights into sustainable architecture.
National CBD Month is celebrated every January, raising awareness about CBD’s potential wellness effects. CbdMD was officially founded to combat health challenges associated with the misperceptions of CBD. Throughout January, we aim to shine a spotlight on the hemp-derived substance, clear up misunderstandings, change perceptions, and set standards for superior CBD products.
These advocacy sessions empower participants to engage with lawmakers at the state and federal levels. Attendees will learn how to advocate effectively, understand current hemp regulations, and develop strategies to communicate the benefits of hemp to policymakers, contributing to legislative changes that support the industry.
Stay Engaged with Hemp Events
AllEvents: Search for “hemp” to discover additional workshops, summits, and networking opportunities across Texas and beyond.
Texas Hemp Coalition: Stay updated on events and advocacy efforts by visiting their website and following their social media channels.
Education and advocacy remain key drivers of the hemp industry’s growth in Texas. Participating in events like the Texas Hemp Summit, Hemp Building Summit, and Hemp for Health Workshop helps Texans stay informed and shape the future of this growing sector. Engaging in these initiatives ensures hemp becomes a vital part of the state’s agricultural, health, and economic development landscape, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions.
After receiving a positive response from customers on its inaugural lime-flavored beverage, Tejas Tonic released two more varieties: Agarita Berry and Frio Mango.
The agarita berry grows on a shrub commonly found in the Texas Hill Country. Fragrant, yellow blooms appear on the plant during spring, followed by a bright red berry often used for making jelly and wine.
The agarita berry offers a mostly tart flavor, and according to the blog Foraging Texas, it offers medicinal applications. Agaritas are said to relieve nausea, aid with digestion and help boost immunity.
Frio mango is the latest refreshing flavor offered by Tejas Tonic and is a homage to South Texas — the only part of the state with a climate suitable for growing mangos.
While many options are popping up in the hemp beverage space, here are four reasons to enjoy Tejas Tonic.
1. It’s all-natural.
Aaron Owens, founder of Tejas Hemp and Tejas Tonic, believes in keeping his products natural and never uses synthetic methods. In its marketing for Tejas Tonic, the company emphasizes, “It hasn’t left our sight since the plants came out of the ground.”
2. It’s terp-boosted.
Terpenes, known as terps, are compounds in certain plants that give them distinct aromas and flavors. In cannabis plants, each strain has a unique terpene profile, and each terpene is said to offer certain benefits (such as reducing anxiety or improving focus).
3. It won’t give you a hangover.
One of the biggest benefits of hemp beverages is that partakers won’t suffer undesirable after-effects. As hemp-infused drinks become more widely available, many people are opting for them over a night of boozing.
4. It’s convenient to get.
Tejas Tonic is available in dozens of establishments. Visit tejastonic.com/finder to find a location near you.
Hemp beverages are seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other drinks that contain an infusion of hemp-derived cannabinoids, terpenes, or fibers. Common cannabinoids include CBD and THC, but other “minor cannabinoids” can also be incorporated.
Since its inception in 2022, 80stixx has rapidly established itself as a leader in the alternative cannabinoid market. Inspired by the Amarillo area code “806,” the brand has expanded its reach across the country, securing placement in over 1,000 stores and establishing more than 10 distribution accounts. With a focus on quality, transparency, and innovation, 80stixx is reshaping the cannabinoid landscape with its wide array of products and commitment to excellence.
The Journey
80stixx’s quick rise in the industry reflects its dedication to providing high-quality cannabinoid products that meet consumer demands. Drawing inspiration from its Texas roots, the brand has become a household name in alternative cannabinoids, offering everything from Delta-8 (D8) and Delta-9 (D9) products to THCA. Each product is carefully crafted to deliver purity, potency, and consistency—qualities that set 80stixx apart in a crowded marketplace.
What truly distinguishes 80stixx from other brands in the cannabinoid industry is its focus on the finer details—taste, aesthetics, and innovative packaging. The brand is known for pioneering die-cut packaging for their D8 and D9 gummies, incorporating creative designs that enhance the consumer experience. This attention to packaging not only adds a visual appeal but also signals the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
On the taste front, 80stixx gummies are infused with authentic flavors and precision D9 dosing, ensuring a superior experience for consumers. Unlike many other brands that spray cannabinoids onto gummies, 80stixx opts for infusion, delivering a more consistent and enjoyable product without an overpowering cannabis taste.
Adapting to the Shifting Legal Landscape of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
Operating in the alternative cannabinoid space means keeping up with the ever-evolving legal landscape. States across the U.S. have varied regulations regarding cannabinoids like THCA and Delta-8, making compliance a top priority for brands like 80stixx. The 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for the hemp industry, but ongoing legislative changes require companies to stay vigilant.
Recently, 80stixx faced challenges in Florida when packaging regulations forced the temporary removal of their products from the market. However, thanks to a reversal of those laws, the company was able to quickly resume operations. This agility in navigating legal challenges demonstrates 80stixx’s resilience and commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the market.
Commitment to Transparency and Lab Testing
Quality and transparency are at the heart of 80stixx’s operations. The company emphasizes the importance of third-party lab testing for all its products to ensure purity, potency, and safety. Every product sold by 80stixx includes a scannable QR code, allowing customers to easily access the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for that batch. This level of transparency not only builds trust with consumers but also ensures that 80stixx continues to deliver the highest standards of cannabinoid products.
Emerging Trends and Innovations Shaping the Future of 80stixx
As the cannabinoid industry grows, consumer preferences are shifting, and 80stixx is keeping pace with the latest trends. One emerging trend is the popularity of diamond prerolls, a product that has been gaining traction among retail outlets. 80stixx plans to expand its product line to include more offerings in this category, capitalizing on the growing demand for premium prerolls.
Another notable trend is the increasing interest in edibles and beverages, particularly among an older demographic. While younger consumers tend to favor flower products from smoke shops, edibles are becoming more popular as a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabinoids. 80stixx is well-positioned to cater to both segments, offering a diverse range of products to meet varying consumer needs.
Sustainability: A Key Priority
Sustainability is a growing concern in the hemp and cannabinoid industries, and 80stixx is committed to doing its part. The company works closely with growers and manufacturers to ensure that all operations are environmentally responsible. Regular visits to production facilities and optimized shipping processes help 80stixx minimize its environmental impact, even in challenging conditions such as extreme heat.
This focus on sustainability not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the values of many of 80stixx’s customers, who are increasingly seeking eco-friendly products.
Shaping the Future of the Hemp Industry
As a rising force in Texas’ hemp and cannabinoid industry, 80stixx is committed to playing a leading role in shaping the future of this rapidly growing sector. The company aims to be a major producer and influencer, crafting innovative solutions and advocating for favorable legislation that supports the growth of the hemp industry.
Looking ahead, 80stixx has its sights set on offering legal cannabinoid products in dispensaries nationwide. With its strong focus on quality, transparency, and sustainability, the brand is poised to continue leading the way in the cannabinoid market for years to come.
For more information about 80stixx and its range of cannabinoid products, visit 80stixx.com or contact them at:
Address: 300 W 6th Street Suite #127, Borger, Texas 79007
Hemp Industry in Allen, Texas Under Fire: Recent Raids Spark Controversy:
The hemp industry in Allen, Texas is facing a significant challenge following a series of raids
conducted by local law enforcement on several hemp retailers. On AUGUST 27, the Allen
Police Department targeted 9 out of 25 hemp retailers in the city, all of whom were members of
the 10-member Allen Hemp Coalition. This selective approach has ignited a heated debate
about the legality of certain hemp-derived products and the methods employed by law
enforcement.
Images: AJ Velador ( HILT)
AJ Velador, Founder of Hemp Industry Leaders of Texas (HILT), has spoken out forcefully
against these raids, describing them as not merely an attack on law-abiding businesses; they
represent a dangerous erosion of our democratic values and the rule of law.
The timing of these raids is particularly controversial, coming shortly after recent legal victories
where Allen business owners successfully quashed DEA subpoenas and prevailed in court. This
sequence of events has led to accusations of retaliation. Critics argue that the selective
targeting suggests unfair retaliation against recent legal triumphs, emphasizing that in America,
we are governed by the rule of law, not arbitrary police action.
The businesses affected by the raids claim they have been operating within the bounds of the
law, selling hemp-derived products that they believe to be legal under current regulations. These
establishments are described as pillars of their communities, run by respectable, family-oriented
entrepreneurs pursuing the American dream. Many assert that they have diligently complied
with all applicable laws and regulations, even implementing voluntary age restrictions and other
responsible practices that exceed legal requirements.
However, local law enforcement appears to have a different interpretation of the law, particularly
concerning the THC content of these products. Industry advocates point out a potential
misunderstanding in the application of the law, particularly regarding the reliance on total THC
measurements rather than the legally relevant Delta 9 THC content.
The raids have resulted in the seizure of products and, in some cases, arrests of business
owners and employees. This has created significant economic hardship for the affected
businesses and raised concerns about due process and the appropriate use of law enforcement
resources.
The situation has created tension between the hemp industry and local law enforcement.
Industry representatives argue that they have been proactive in self-regulation and have sought
to work collaboratively with authorities to establish clear guidelines. HILT and its predecessor
organizations have advocated for sensible regulation, including age restrictions, since 2019.
In response to the raids, industry leaders have called on Allen Police Chief Steve Dye to cease
these actions, return all seized property to the business owners, and engage in a cordial
discussion to reach a peaceful resolution. They are urging lawmakers to engage with them in
crafting legislation that protects consumers while allowing legal businesses to operate without
fear of persecution.
As the controversy unfolds, both sides are preparing for potential legal battles. The outcome of
this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the hemp industry not only in Allen but
potentially across Texas and beyond. The industry maintains that the products in question are
legal, hemp-derived cannabinoids that serve crucial wellness purposes for countless Texans.
Velador emphasizes the broader implications of these actions: In a free society, disagreements
are settled in courts and legislatures, not through police raids and intimidation. The actions of
the Allen police are not just an assault on these businesses; they are an affront to the values
that define us as Texans and as Americans.
As the legal process unfolds, HILT is taking action to support the affected businesses. They are
currently raising funds for the legal defense of those arrested during the raids. Those interested
in supporting this effort can contribute through the following GoFundMe link:
This ongoing situation underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between
emerging industries, existing laws, and law enforcement interpretation. As the hemp industry
continues to evolve, it is clear that clearer regulations and better communication between all
stakeholders will be crucial to avoid similar conflicts in the future.
The Texas Hemp Show podcast will return to the local air-waves this
September in time for the NFL Kickoff and 2024 regular season.
Previously airing on both Waterloo Media properties , KLBJ 590 & ESPN Austin 102.7 FM; Dowden and crew will be heard this fall on Sundays from 11am – 12pm just in front of the NFL Gameday syndicated crew at ESPN.
Host Mike Greenberg will join the returning analysts – Super Bowl Champions Teddy Bruschi and Rex Ryan, Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith on most of the regular season programing at the 12 O’Clock hour.
However, ESPN Austin is now home of the Dallas Cowboys radio network and at least 4 regular season games will be heard right after the Texas Hemp Show on the local ESPN affiliate at 12pm!
DALLAS GAMES ON ESPN FOLLOWING THE TEXAS HEMP SHOW ARE:
DALLAS VS. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS SUNDAY SEPT 15TH –
DALLAS @ ATLANTA ON SUNDAY NOV 3RD
SUNDAY NOV 24TH @ WASHINGTON
SUNDAY DEC 15TH @ CAROLINA
The show will air through the 2024 NFL season and consider extending future shows based on sponsors support for the program and availability with media partners at Waterloo Media.
Texas Hemp Show . . . the official podcast/radio show for The Texas Hemp Reporter magazine rapidly approaching its 200th show and is also celebrating its 4th year this September.
Since 2020 Texan’s have been growing legal Hemp and the show is known for its coverage of this new crop in the industry from financial, technology, health,finance and business opportunities in new Texas agricultural laws. The magazine is made available in close 1000 plus CBD & Smoke-shop retail locations in Texas!
Access to hemp makes a difference in the lives of so many Texans. As the family that founded and operates The Happy Cactus Apothecary, we meet these folks every day. Since your story on Hemp ran in the recent edition of Texas Monthly, many have asked us to share their stories and address the issues raised by the article.
Patty Boles describes herself as 75 years young and a believer in Christ Jesus. She feels blessed to be a parent, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. For 43 years, she taught elementary school.
Image Adobe Stock –
At the age of 61, Patty experienced her first anxiety/panic attack. “It was terrifying, and I turned to my physician; he prescribed Lexapro, which helped. However, there was weight gain and a sense of not being myself. As time went on, I also began having trouble falling asleep. I turned to consuming small doses of over-the-counter sleep aids. These helped but left me with a morning hangover,” said Patty.
“Several years later, two additional attacks made me wonder if there might be an alternative. My beloved granddaughter suggested that I might visit Happy Cactus Apothecary in Austin, Texas. I will admit I was a bit skeptical about the use of Hemp products and overwhelmed by the array of them. The people took the time to listen and educate me about the products available. I left the apothecary with a small purchase of Delta 8 THC gummies.”
“What a revelation! I have been consuming half a gummy every night for approximately a year. I fall asleep peacefully and wake up refreshed and rested.”
“I have shared my experience with friends of my generation and firmly believe in this product’s benefits. I am grateful that I can purchase it so readily. I would be willing to argue the case for using Hemp products and their benefits.”
“Getting older is not for sissies. At my age, I am not ready to bow to anyone younger or anyone who has not tried them.”
Paige B is a single 32-year-old woman working two jobs. Her sciatica causes her trouble sleeping.
“I also am under a lot of stress DAILY, which makes it difficult to relax,” she said. “I am prescribed medication to help with the pain and to sleep, but it’s not something I want to be dependent on, so having one of the gummies from Happy Cactus Apothecary just before bedtime helps tremendously with relaxation and sleep.
She shared that without access to these products, she would be “extremely disappointed. I don’t want to rely on muscle relaxers & pain medication to help me sleep every night. I also quit drinking alcohol 4.5 years ago, and this is the BEST thing I have come across to help me “chill out” when I am stressed.”
Delta 8 Texas
“I have genuinely never found a product that I can buy at a store that helps with my pain management, my trouble sleeping, and my mood. Finding Happy Cactus Apothecary has helped me feel better mentally and physically!”
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the misconceptions in your story.
“The hemp industry argues that according to the letter of the law, the THCa level doesn’t matter. Any plant with less than 0.3 percent THC is hemp.”
The writer uses “THC” often in this article without describing which THC is being discussed: delta 9? delta 8? THCa? Delta 9 THC is the only form of THC that is required to be less than 0.3 percent per dry weight. Defining the differences will provide the reader with more context. This lack of clear definitions is throughout the story.
“There was no way a plant that tested at legal THC levels at a manufacturing facility could test weeks later at 1.48 percent.”
What was the testing method for the White Wok sample? If it was tested with any type of heat, it most likely changed the plant’s chemical makeup, converting some THCa into delta-9 THC. Again, the article references THC levels without clarifying which form of THC they are referring to.
“Texas Monthly purchased smokable cannabis at eight dispensaries, two each in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. We bagged our purchases and sent them to Anresco for testing. All eight samples came back with delta-9 THC levels in excess of legal limits.”
We have serious questions about the laboratories’ methods. We respectfully ask for details about the testing procedures. More transparency is warranted and will benefit your readers. For example, did they use gas chromatography to test the samples? If so, that test includes heat, which will change the chemical makeup of the plant sample. To clarify, THCa degrades to delta 9 THC with heat, so a heated test would degrade the non-psychoactive THCa into the psychoactive delta 9 THC.
“His operation is regulated by Texas Department of Public Safety inspectors with the humorlessness of Soviet functionaries. They don’t worry him. What does are the thousands of licensed hemp dispensaries in the state that, he says, sell strains of cannabisthat could lay low a three-hundred-pound rutting hog.” and enough to neutralize a half-ton bull alligator.”
Hemp is not to be used as a tranquilizer. Hyperbolic statements are unnecessary and only distract from an honest and science-based discussion about Hemp use in Texas.
“The study tested 29 samples from prerolls and loose flower, all of which were sold with certificates indicating their THC was under 0.3 percent. Nineteen had levels above the limit.Factoring in the THCa, 25 were marijuana.”
What is meant by the term ‘factoring in.” Also, THCa is found in Marijuana and Hemp, which makes this statement confusing. Per the law, a cannabis plant containing high levels of THCa and less than .3% delta 9 THC is Hemp. And a cannabis plant containing high levels of THCa and more than .3% delta 9 THC is Marijuana. More explanation and context is needed to support this conclusion. Greater detail about testing procedures and laboratory standards is vital for a substantial discussion about access to Hemp in Texas.
“Most of the hemp dispensaries out there, knowingly or unknowingly, are selling illegal federal marijuana. And they can do it because these stores operate at the crossroads of poorly written laws.”
These shops are selling legal Hemp flowers under the current written laws in Texas. Thanks to the plain language of those laws, Texans have access to Hemp every day, which helps them with daily challenges.
“Texas Original grew alongside the program, adding customers and increasing revenue, Richardson said, until about 2023.He blames the proliferation of hemp dispensaries for this setback.”
The Hemp dispensaries are not causing the setback – it is the unnecessarily restrictive laws in Texas surrounding the use of Medical Cannabis (Marijuana). Those strict laws have put limits on what the Compassionate Use Program can sell; thus, the Hemp dispensaries are legally filling in this gap for many Texans who need this plant for relief.
“Chemists and botanists in the hemp industry soon discovered that they could extract psychoactive compounds from hemp, such as THCa, thus skirting federal and state laws focused on delta-9 THC levels”
THCa is not a psychoactive compound. As previously mentioned, THCa can degrade into the psychoactive compound delta 9 THC with heat. Also, there is no need to extract THCa from Hemp; it occurs naturally in large amounts in Industrial Hemp (also known as THCa flower).
“Dispensary owners are confident they’re on the right side of the law.”
The law in Texas does not require testing to be done at any particular point in the plant’s life cycle. So if a THCa flower sample is tested before levels of delta-9 THC exceed legal limits, the plant is Hemp and legal to sell in Texas. If that same sample (now packaged for sale) slowly or quickly converts (via heat) to having more than the legal limit of delta 9 THC, the law in Texas does not confirm that it is then an illegal product. Further testing is not required by Texas law after the initial testing. The law in Texas also doesn’t require any certain type of testing for Hemp flower. For example, if we get a liquid chromatography test initially done for a Hemp flower sample, and it doesn’t exceed the legal limits of delta 9 THC, it is legal to sell in Texas. Now, suppose that same sample is tested days or months later in Texas by an organization trying to determine its legality. In that case, they will most likely use gas chromatography testing here in Texas, which then heats the sample, degrading some of the THCa into delta 9 THC. If this change then provides the new test results with over-the-limit amounts of delta 9 THC, there is nowhere in Texas law saying that the sample is now illegal since its initial tests were within legal limits of delta 9 THC.
“Texas Monthly purchased two joints from its location across the street from a high school in South Austin.”
Despite there being no rules or regulations regarding age and consumption of Hemp in the state of Texas (even though the local Hemp industry has asked the state to regulate with an age gate), it has always been our policy not to sell THC products to anyone under 21. In fact, a person must be 21 or older to view our website. Furthermore, we are sending a letter to the High School advising them that their students are not welcome at our establishment and inviting them to work with us to keep them from entering our store.
“At a recent legislative hearing, state senator José Menéndez, a San Antonio Democrat, reflected on the spread of legal hemp stores selling products chemically similar to marijuana. ‘In a way, inadvertently, we passed a law that sort of legalized the use of cannabis in the state of Texas,’ he said.”
This language is confusing to the reader as Hemp and Marijuana are both “cannabis.” So yes, cannabis with less than 0.3% delta 9 THC is legal to use in Texas. If he is indeed referring to Marijuana, then no, Texas has not legalized it. Texas has legalized Hemp. What these shops are selling is technically and scientifically Hemp.
We appreciate this opportunity to share with your readers the stories of our clients and additional information to provide broader context and the need to dig deeper into the science of testing Hemp products.
We believe we help our clients every single day. We do it legally and feel morally just because we see the difference it makes in their lives.
Thank you,
Todd Harris
Mickey Harris
The Happy Cactus Apothecary
Hemp Lawyer David Sergi Fights to Protect the Rights and Privacy of Local Businesses, Their Workers, and Customers
(Allen/San Marcos, TX) Texas Hemp Lawyer David Sergi won a stay against a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) subpoena that targeted nearly every vape shop in Allen, Texas.
“This action by the DEA was clearly on a fishing expedition to gather information unrelated to any public investigation,” said Sergi. “These local businesses operate well within federal and Texas laws and regulations. The subpoena seeks information beyond what the DEA may require in data collection or within its duties. They are seeking information protected by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.”
On June 25, 2024, the DEA subpoenaed vape shops located in Allen, TX. The subpoena requested these businesses turn over to the government a wide range of their records:
● All financial and banking records, including all customer transactions
● Wages of employees
● All credit card transactions
● Venmo and CashApp transactions
● List of all the suppliers that provide products to be sold (including non-Hemp products)
● Wages of employees
● Names of distributors or transportation companies/facilitators
“The vape shops are more than willing to share all the records required by federal and Texas law. The subpoena goes way beyond the duties and authority of the DEA and violates the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the US Constitution,” added Sergi. “The subpoena does not meet the standards of those amendments.”
“The Fourth Amendment requires that the subpoena be limited in scope and relevant in purpose. It also must be specific and not unreasonably burdensome.”
“Each business maintains Certificates of Analysis as required to be kept as part of the business of hemp sales; the financial information from the business, employees, owners, and customers necessarily is not; therefore, much of the DEA subpoena implicates the Fifth Amendment and is far outside anything that could be considered reasonable.”
Sergi represents the Allen Hemp Coalition, which includes Lit Smoke & Vape, Vapex, Hemp & More, Hazel Sky, Allen Smoke & Vape, Chasing Vapes, Vape Shack, Allen Vape, Puff Station, and Isky Vapor.
“These Allen-based businesses operate legally and each day follow all laws and regulations. They are grateful that Federal Judge Amos Mazzant has stayed the subpoena. They are committed to the community and will continue to operate their business to the highest legal and moral standards,” added Sergi.
Here is the text of the ruling issued by United States District Judge Amos L. Mazzant: Before the Court is Movant Allen Hemp Coalition’s Motion to Quash and/or Limit DEA Administrative Subpoena (Dkt. # 1) in the above-entitled matter. It is hereby ORDERED that the enforcement of the subpoenas that are the subject of this motion is STAYED, pending the Court’s full consideration of the matter after a response to the motion is filed. IT IS SO ORDERED SIGNED this 24th day of July 2024.
Attached is a copy of the order and David Sergi’s motion to quash the subpoena.
David Sergi is available for media interviews. Please get in touch with Kevin Lampe at (312) 617-7280 or [email protected].
David Sergi is a San Marcos-based lawyer who focuses on the Hemp industry in Texas and throughout the United States. He has been active in litigation throughout Texas, Florida and most recently Wisconsin. His firm was trial counsel in the case that kept Delta 8 legal in Texas in the case of TDSHS and Hellerstadt v Sky Marketing Corp. dba Hometown Hero, Create a Cig Temple LLC, Darrell Surif and Dave Walden, 03-21-00571-CV. -30-
The hemp and cannabis industry in Texas is booming, with entrepreneurs eager to find funding for their new and expanding businesses. Despite facing unique challenges, several promising funding options are available to help these ventures thrive as listed below. Option #1- State and or (limited) Federal Grants
Hemp Businesses: Some agricultural grants are available, such as those from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), which supports industrial hemp projects. Programs like the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) provide funding for research, marketing, and education for crops like hemp. Cannabis Businesses: Direct federal grants are limited due to restrictions, but some state-level opportunities may exist.
Option #2- Private Grants and Foundations
Organizations like the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and the Foundation for an Informed Texas sometimes offer research, education, and business development grants in the hemp and cannabis sectors. These grants often support innovative and sustainable projects.
Option #3- Business Loans and Financing
Traditional business loans can be difficult to obtain for cannabis businesses due to regulations. However, some financial institutions and private lenders, such as North Bay Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, Safe Harbor Financial, or Affinity Federal Credit Union. Some of these banks are starting to offer loans and credit lines specifically for hemp and cannabis businesses.
Option #4- Crowdfunding and Investment Platforms
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and specialized sites like Fundanna allow hemp and cannabis businesses to raise money from the public. Investment platforms like ArcView Group and Canopy Boulder connect startups with investors interested in the industry.
Option #5- State-Specific Programs
Texas has specific programs to support hemp businesses, like the Texas Hemp Program managed by the TDA, which provides resources, licensing, and regulatory guidance. These programs help businesses stay compliant and can attract other sources of funding.
As the publisher of the Texas Hemp Reporter, I am honored to offer my testimony regarding the pivotal role our publication has played in advancing the understanding and development of the hemp industry in our state. Over the past four years, our comprehensive coverage has spanned across various media platforms, including our magazine, news website, and podcast, all dedicated to the thriving $25+ billion hemp industry.
Beyond our professional endeavors, the impact of hemp products hits close to home for my family. My wife, Jennifer, who battles Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, relies on these products to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Additionally, my mother, Linda, found relief during her battle with lung cancer in 2020 and 2021, using CBD products as a complementary treatment alongside radiation and chemotherapy. Today, she stands cancer-free, a testament to the potential of hemp-derived remedies.
Throughout our journey, our business has served as an educational resource for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the general public, disseminating valuable information on hemp products for four years. We have distributed 350,000 copies of the Texas Hemp Reporter magazine across 26 issues, reaching communities in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, McAllen, Lubbock, Midland, and numerous smaller towns across central Texas. Furthermore, our podcast has aired on prominent radio stations such as ESPN and KLBJ, becoming a rare voice in terrestrial radio discussions on hemp-related topics in Texas.
Our efforts have not only informed but also influenced cultural conversations. We have conducted interviews with celebrities, lawmakers, agricultural commissioners, congressmen, industry leaders, and legal experts, shedding light on the burgeoning hemp sector. Our magazine has found its way into over 1,000 CBD stores and smoke shops, including major retailers like HEB, Randalls, and Whole Foods in central Texas.
While acknowledging the potential for improvement in Texas’ hemp and cannabis programs, it is imperative to recognize the state’s leadership alongside Tennessee and North Carolina in this industry. Texas has established a robust hemp program, paving the way for economic growth and job creation, supporting not only my family but also over 50,000 Texans employed in this dynamic field.
In conclusion, we express gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the review of Chapter 300 and commend your commitment to exploring the vast potential of hemp. As journalists and media professionals, we take pride in our role in covering this topic and showcasing the remarkable benefits that this plant offers to our communities.
Our friends at ZAR Wellness come on the show and educate our team and listeners on the many products and benefits from CBD and cannabis wellness products, their business, and mission statement. ZAR is a veteran owned family brand and are happy to help many communities through their storefronts and online store.
In this last weeks episode Jerry “J-Man” Joyner appears on the Texas Hemp Show to discuss his brand BUCK A BUZZ gummies, as well as talk about the health benefits of cannabis. Joyner has teamed up with Patriot Media Group to offer marketing services with the Texas Hemp Reporter.
The Texas Hemp Reporter is excited to report on our partnership this Spring with Jerry Joyner aka “JMan” and our friends at the Dallas TX based Weed & Whiskey TV. The ROKU Platform offers cannabis content, and much more from its APP, YouTube channel, and website platforms. Viewers are now be able to access Texas Hemp Show content from the website but the networks staple show Weed & Whiskey News is also shooting weekly content from the new Austin TX based studio.
Joyner and Dowden will frequently appear together as well as separately from the new downtown Austin Texas facilities. Russell appeared on Episode 35 last month and has plans to collaborate on several projects with the Weed & Whiskey TV platform.
Click to watch Episode # 35 here on YouTube.
The Texas Hemp Show has also landed itself back on local air-waves in Austin TX with Waterloo Media and Austin’s ESPN flagship Saturdays from 8am-9am on weekends. The Podcast Audience is already growing on digital platforms, but the new edition of ESPN will only blossom the talk show into more listeners and a budding interest in business and opportunities as cannabis becomes more mainstream in the Lone Star State.
One Project Coming Soon from Weed & Whiskey TV & Patriot Media Group is a new News Program called “Paranoid America”
Every year since 1935, the Heisman Trophy has recognized the best American college football player. In 1998, the honor fell on University of Texas running back Ricky Williams.
Williams went on to play 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and one season with the Canadian Football League (CFL). During his time in the NFL, Williams failed several drug tests for marijuana — which even spurred an early retirement in 2004.
Williams returned to the Miami Dolphins in 2005 but was suspended for the entire 2006 season after failing yet another drug test (that’s when he spent a year playing for the CFL). In 2007, Williams returned to the Dolphins, where he remained until 2010. He spent a season playing with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring from the NFL a second time in 2011.
After putting his career on the line multiple times, it’s obvious Williams is a big fan of cannabis. Clearly, using the herb didn’t stop him from breaking NFL records. Now, Williams is encouraging others to “spark greatness” through his Highsman cannabis lifestyle brand.
Visit highsman.com to browse Williams’ products, which include three categories of cannabis flower:
Pregame: An energizing lineup of game-changing sativas with terpene profiles proven to promote motivation and alertness.
Halftime: A balanced collection of unique hybrids with terpene profiles naturally designed to create a smooth, leveled euphoria.
Postgame: A roster of recovery-focused indicas fueled by terpenes that promote pain relief, relaxation and better sleep.
Fans can also buy apparel on the site — from jackets and hoodies to beanies and sweatpants. Highsman also features an assortment of water bottles, stickers, rolling trays and more.
Williams’ new venture has caught the attention of major media outlets like Forbes, Market Watch and the New York Post. To Williams, it’s obvious Highsman is more than just another cannabis brand. The website describes it as “an elite mentality that is defined by an appreciation for greatness.”
Through the years, Williams has been vocal about his relationship with cannabis, revealing that it has helped him to manage his anxiety.
“Ricky was scrutinized by the NFL and sports fans alike throughout his career, but he knew that restricting his cannabis consumption meant restricting who he truly was as an individual,” the website explains.
Be sure to follow @highsman on Instagram to get the latest updates.
April Edition of the Texas Hemp Reporter covers the current state of Hemp & Cannabis while the 88th Legislature is in session. Also covered are the medical benefits from many cannabinoids. Introducing “Tejas Tonic” the new terp-boosted THC beverage from Aaron at Tejas Hemp in Dripping Springs Texas. Weed & Whiskey TV also profiled & Texas Blues Legend Chris Duarte.
