Texas Hemp Shops Rally Behind Goodwin After 4,000% Fee Hike

Hemp retailers in Central Texas are organizing a political push against Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Business owners are registering voters and displaying candidate guides to support Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin. The industry cites a 4,000% increase in business fees as a primary reason for the mobilization.

Patrick has prioritized banning hemp products containing THC since 2025. He argued that these products pose health risks and that the state cannot effectively regulate thousands of retail locations. Following Governor Greg Abbott's veto of a sweeping ban, Patrick stated he would not legalize marijuana in Texas. He said, "And if people want to vote me out of office for that, so be it."

Goodwin opposes the proposed ban and supports expanding medical cannabis access. Sarah Todd, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, described Goodwin as an ally to the industry. Goodwin promised to support regulations similar to those governing alcohol, including age restrictions and packaging rules. She noted that current health regulations went too far by prohibiting most smokable hemp products.

Estella Castro, owner of Austinite Cannabis Co. in East Austin, closed two stores due to the new rules. She retained her flagship location and hosted a campaign event this month. Castro said, "The elections are going to be our last hope to see if we either stay open or we don't." She expressed a desire to avoid operating under Patrick's proposed regulations.

Independent voters are also aligning with the Democratic ticket for this cycle. Holden Hylander of Sherpa, a hemp product manufacturer, stated he is promoting Goodwin through wholesalers. He described himself as a single-issue voter this year because the candidate supports his industry. Haley Hunt, co-owner of Haus of Jayne in Dripping Springs, said she grew up in conservative West Texas. She told customers she was considering voting a full Democratic ticket for the first time.

The regulatory changes stem from an executive order issued by Abbott after the legislature deadlocked on THC regulation. The order treats THCA, a compound that converts to Delta-9 THC when heated, as a controlled substance. This rule allows the Department of State Health Services to ban smokable products. Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth approved these business regulations in March. A subsequent Texas Supreme Court ruling allowed the state to reinstate broader THC definitions on the Schedule I Controlled Substances list.

Conflicting interpretations of the law have created uncertainty for consumers and law enforcement. Carrie Napiorkowski, a resident of Dripping Springs, uses THC gummies for chronic pain. She said the issue should not be partisan but was made one by Patrick. "But if he was generally concerned about the health and well-being of individual Texans.. then he'd leave this one alone," Napiorkowski said. Early voting ends Friday, and Election Day is November 3.