Texas Rule Changes July, 31st 2026
Texas's hemp industry has spent the last few years fighting legislators, regulators, and the courts. Now, the latest regulatory blow comes from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which has filed notice to classify D8 and non-D9 isomers as Schedule I controlled substances, effective July 31, 2026.
The move follows the Texas Supreme Court's decision in the Sky Marketing case, which affirmed DSHS's authority to make the change. Once it takes effect, many of the intoxicating hemp products that fueled the industry's explosive growth will no longer be legal to sell in Texas.
House of Cards
The battle for legal hemp in Texas has been long, expensive, and, worst of all, confusing as hell. Between mixed messaging, infighting among operators, competing trade groups, and carve-outs that seemed to benefit some businesses more than others, the industry has struggled to present a unified front.
The "one plant" narrative sounds compelling on paper, until businesses start competing for the same shelf space. At that point it's about market share, margins and survival.
On a recent episode of Blazed Media Podcast, Cynthia Cabrera, Chief Strategy Officer of Hometown Hero and founder of the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), paints a picture of an industry already under strain.
According to her discussion, Hometown Hero's sales have declined, THBC is carrying a significant debt load and its members left holding the bag from years of legal battles and lobbying efforts as HIFA (Hemp Industry & Farmers of America) has allegedly not delivered there portion of the legal fees. A reoccurring phrase you will see in Instagram videos and comments sections is “its time to vote them out”, as Cynthia points out, that may be easier said then done, as Dan Patrick beat his last opponent by almost a million votes (825k).
Dan “The Man” Patrick
While its easy to understand why those in the hemp industry may not be his biggest fans, i had to ask what are some of the things he has done to become so popular, and does that outweigh the impacts on hemp.
First, he has been remarkably consistent. Whether someone agrees with him or not, Texas Republican primary voters generally know where he stands. He's spent decades advocating for lower taxes, stricter immigration enforcement, religious liberty, gun rights, and socially conservative policies. In an age where integrity and intent are rarely aligned, it doesnt matter if the names Mamdami or Patrick, people like when politicians stick to their word.
Second, he tends to think in decades rather than legislative sessions. The hemp issue is a good example. While Governor Abbott favored tighter regulation after vetoing an earlier ban, Patrick has continued to pursue a broader prohibition because he believes intoxicating hemp products are inconsistent with Texas law and public safety, or momma Kim worked her magic, either way, the influence is he carries cant be denied.
Big Texan
One of the core arguments for supporting hemp has always been the people; veterans, elderly, those recovering from other substances. But not just them, also the oppressed groups, and the farmers. However the host mentions that although they are Texas domiciled, 45% of the business comes from out of state. In fact the guest speakers admittedly moved from other states around 2021-22’ during the CBD bubble. So it begs the question, did Texans by and large really have an interest in the industry, or did people from out of the state have more interest in Texas?
As big as the plant might be in our world, it may not outweigh concerns from the general public such as taxes, immigration, religious liberty, gun rights, and social policies. So simply instructing people to vote them out on this one issue seems irresponsible, or at the very least, interesting.
When i look at my demographics for viewership, its ~82% males; aged 21-44. The old heads are set in their ways, im worried about the younger cats. The TV screen use to be where commercials would play, now its reels and shorts, quick clips giving you just enough info to fuel your decisions, while clouding your judgment. Dont believe me, good, think for yourself, and look how quickly gummy promotions turn to political ads…
