The Texas Capitol Was Packed This Week—not with Lobbyists or Politicians, but with Regular Texans Fighting to Save Something That’s Become a Lifeline: Hemp.

Hundreds of folks, from veterans to caregivers to business owners, showed up to speak out against two bills—House Bill 28 and Senate Bill 3—that could wipe out Texas’s $8 billion hemp industry and put thousands out of work. The hearing went on for more than 18 hours, starting early last Tuesday morning and stretching past 2 a.m. the next day. Speaker after speaker stood up to say the same thing: banning these products is a bad idea.

Let’s break it down.

What’s on the table?

Senate Bill 3, which already passed in the Senate, would ban the sale of just about everything hemp-related in Texas—except for CBD and CBG. That means no Delta 8, no Delta 9, no THC beverages, nothing. House Bill 28 takes a slightly softer approach, sparing THC-infused drinks but still putting the industry under the control of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Why do people care?

Because hemp isn’t just some trendy buzzword. For a lot of people, it’s medicine. Mitch Fuller from the Texas VFW said banning hemp would take away affordable options for veterans who are already struggling. Instead of turning to addictive pills, many have found relief through safe, legal hemp products. “This bill would rip away those choices,” he said.

Courtney Holmes, a caregiver and clinical professional, talked about her husband’s battle with young-onset Parkinson’s. She’s seen hemp change lives up close. “It’s not a poison,” she said. “It’s healing.”

It’s also a business

This isn’t just about health—it’s also about jobs. Thousands of people across the state work in the hemp industry. From farmers and shop owners to lab techs and product manufacturers, the proposed laws would throw a wrench in the entire system. Austin Zamhariri of the Texas Cannabis Collective called the bills “a huge mistake,” saying lawmakers should focus on smart regulation—like age limits, safety testing, and child-proof packaging—not blanket bans.

So why the crackdown?

Most of the push is coming from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry, who opponents say are using scare tactics and misinformation to drum up support. But Texans aren’t buying it. They’re showing up, speaking out, and reminding lawmakers that common sense still matters.

Bottom line?

These bills don’t protect Texans—they hurt them. Whether it’s your job, your health, or your right to choose natural alternatives, a ban on hemp does more harm than good. Most folks aren’t asking for the Wild West. They’re asking for balance. Regulation? Sure. But an all-out ban? That’s not what Texas stands for.