Bipartisan Texas Lawmakers Want Hemp THC Regulated Instead Of Banned, With GOP Rep Saying Market Is ‘Too Big To Ignore’

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

February 4, 2026

Bipartisan Texas Lawmakers Want Hemp THC Regulated Instead Of Banned, With GOP Rep Saying Market Is 'Too Big To Ignore'. At the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference, Sen. Nathan Johnson (D) and Rep. Drew Darby (R) advocated regulating hemp THC products over prohibition. Darby shifted from favoring bans after hearing from veterans, patients, and businesses, stressing regulation for public safety, youth protection, taxing, and policing synthetic derivatives. The market's size makes it "too big to ignore," amid confusion from federal changes (Trump-signed bill banning most consumable hemp, potentially delayed) and Gov. Abbott's veto of a prior ban. State agencies proposed rules for age-gating (21+), licensing, testing, and total THC standards. Johnson noted Senate anti-THC momentum in 2025 but predicted House resistance to bans, crediting activism and polling. Bipartisan voter opposition to prohibition exists, with focus on consumer protection and responsible business. Medical marijuana expansions continue with new licenses.