Hemp Industry Mobilizes Against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick as November 3 Looms

Vikki Goodwin is leveraging the Texas hemp industry’s frustration with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to fuel her bid for the top executive office in the state. Goodwin, a state representative from Austin, has positioned herself as the candidate willing to regulate cannabis like alcohol rather than ban it, a stance that has drawn support from shop owners who feel squeezed by recent state actions.

The conflict traces back to 2025, when Patrick prioritized a comprehensive ban on hemp products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, citing health risks and regulatory challenges. After Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Patrick’s proposed legislation, the lieutenant governor declared he would not concede the issue, stating at a June 2025 news conference that he would not legalize marijuana in Texas even if voters removed him from office.

Following the veto, Abbott issued an executive order demanding stricter regulations. This led to rules approved by Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth in March that effectively banned most smokable hemp products. The new framework also raised business fees by up to 4,000%. A subsequent Texas Supreme Court ruling allowed the Department of State Health Services to add broader THC definitions to the Schedule I Controlled Substances list, creating legal ambiguity for retailers.

Business owners report that these measures are forcing closures. Estella Castro, owner of Austinite Cannabis Co., said she closed two locations and is holding on to her flagship store in East Austin. She described the upcoming elections as the industry's final chance to determine whether businesses survive under Patrick's rules.

The political effort is visible in stores across the state. Some shops are registering voters and displaying guides near checkout counters. Sarah Todd, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, identified Goodwin as an ally to the industry, noting her voting record opposing the ban and supporting medical cannabis expansion.

The campaign has reached voters who typically do not align with the Democratic Party. At a recent event in Dripping Springs, co-owner Haley Hunt of Haus of Jayne said she was considering voting for the full Democratic ticket for the first time. Hunt, who grew up in conservative West Texas, hosted a campaign stop with co-owner Christy Spanton that drew approximately 50 people to their front porch.

Hemp product manufacturers are also joining the effort. Holden Hylander of Sherpa, a manufacturer of hemp-derived THC products, said he is promoting Goodwin’s campaign through wholesalers and email marketing. He described himself as a single-issue voter for this election cycle because of the candidate's support for the sector.

Down the ballot, other Democrats are making cannabis a central issue. State Representative Erin Zwiener has called for full legalization of cannabis. In Williamson County, candidate Chris Jimenez, a Marine Corps veteran, is challenging Caroline Harris Davila, who voted for Patrick’s ban. Jimenez cited veterans using THC for sleep and pain relief as a reason to advocate for access.

Patrick’s office did not respond to interview requests. However, in a June conversation with WFAA, Patrick stated he remains focused on closing smoke shops, comparing the products sold in some stores to heroin. He said, "We're selling heroin in these gas stations. Not the big chain convenience stores. I'm talking about these little mom and pops in all these neighborhoods, so that's a focus."

Lawmakers return to the Capitol in January. The winner of the lieutenant governor's race will hold significant influence over future cannabis legislation. Early voting ends on Friday, and Election Day is scheduled for November 3.