A new poll has made something crystal clear: Texans don’t want a ban on hemp-derived THC products—they want them regulated. While lawmakers squabble over a controversial Senate bill that seeks to outlaw consumable hemp with any trace of THC, the public appears to be miles ahead in their thinking.
The poll, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, found nearly four in five likely voters in Texas want hemp products to be regulated, not prohibited. And it’s not just one side of the aisle saying this. Support crosses party lines, generations, and urban-rural divides. Meanwhile, the bill sits idle in the House, as political drama halts momentum and public patience begins to wear thin.
Hemp Politics Take A Backseat To Redistricting Showdown
The Texas Senate passed the bill to ban all consumable hemp products containing any amount of THC earlier this year. But since then? It’s gone nowhere.
That’s largely because Democrats staged a dramatic walkout to block a Republican redistricting proposal, denying the House a quorum. The result: a legislative freeze on all pending bills, hemp included.
This delay has left producers, retailers, and consumers hanging in the balance. Farmers aren’t sure if their crops will still be legal to sell come next session. Store owners have no idea whether they should restock or hold back. And customers are left wondering if the CBD gummies they picked up last week could suddenly become contraband.
Public Opinion Isn’t Just Leaning—It’s Loud
While politicians debate policy, the public’s stance is anything but unclear.
In the poll released this week:
-
79% of likely Texas voters said they support regulating hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 and Delta-9.
-
Just 13% favour banning such products outright.
-
The remaining respondents were either undecided or didn’t know enough to answer.
This overwhelming preference for regulation over prohibition wasn’t just seen among Democrats. Support was strong among Republicans and Independents, too.
That kind of consensus is rare in Texas politics—especially on drug policy. But when it comes to hemp, the electorate seems to agree: adults should have access, and the government should provide oversight, not bans.
Compromise Bill Seeks Middle Ground
While the main hemp bill gathers dust, a separate proposal has quietly emerged.
On Monday, a Republican state lawmaker introduced a scaled-down bill that doesn’t outlaw hemp products outright. Instead, it would simply restrict the sale of THC-infused consumables to those aged 21 and older.
It’s a modest tweak, but a significant one. It offers a potential compromise that some believe could break the stalemate.
Retailers, especially, are paying close attention. Many already voluntarily require ID checks, and the 21+ model mirrors how alcohol and tobacco are regulated. For many in the industry, this alternative could be a lifeline.
Whether it gains traction remains to be seen—but it’s clear some lawmakers are reading the polls.
Why Hemp-Derived THC Products Are So Popular in Texas
The surge in hemp-based THC products didn’t happen by accident.
Back in 2019, Texas legalised hemp—defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. That opened the door for all sorts of products made from hemp, including Delta-8 THC, which produces a milder high but wasn’t technically illegal under federal or state law.
Texans embraced the grey area. CBD shops began selling Delta-8 gummies and vape pens. Farmers started cultivating hemp for the booming market. The industry grew fast—and largely without incident.
Here’s a quick look at how that’s playing out:
| Product Type | Legal Under Current Law? | Popular Among Texans? |
|---|---|---|
| CBD Oil | Yes | Very |
| Delta-8 THC Gummies | Yes (for now) | Extremely |
| Delta-9 THC Edibles | Yes (if <0.3% THC) | Growing |
| Marijuana (non-hemp) | No | Support Increasing |
For many Texans, these products offer pain relief, help with sleep, or just a gentler alternative to alcohol. For small businesses, they’ve been a lifeline—especially during the pandemic.
The Political Stakes Are Getting Higher
This issue isn’t just about hemp. It’s becoming a flashpoint in a broader battle over how much control the government should have over adult choices—and how far politicians are willing to go to override public opinion.
Some Republicans support the ban on THC products as a moral stance. Others see it as a way to head off future legalisation of marijuana. But the poll results suggest that strategy may backfire.
Public opinion is shifting fast in Texas, particularly among younger voters and suburban moderates. What was once a culture-war issue is now an economic and personal choice for many.
As one Austin retailer put it: “Our customers are schoolteachers, veterans, grandmothers. They’re not trying to get stoned—they’re trying to sleep.”
What Happens Next?
It’s anyone’s guess.
The current special session could drag on or dissolve into more partisan gridlock. The Senate bill may get revived in the next regular session—or it could be quietly shelved after the backlash.
Industry insiders are cautiously optimistic that the new 21+ bill might gain traction. It’s palatable, pragmatic, and matches what voters seem to want. But in Texas politics, nothing is guaranteed.
For now, the message from voters is clear. They don’t want THC hemp products banned. They want sensible rules, fair access, and above all—some stability.
