AUSTIN, Texas – The recent election of Democrat Vikki Goodwin as Texas Lieutenant Governor marks a significant shift in state politics, particularly for the hemp industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny from her predecessor, Dan Patrick. Goodwin’s victory, which saw her garner 52 percent of the vote against Patrick’s 46 percent, signals the potential for change in an industry that has long been affected by stringent regulations.
The election reflects a broader trend across the United States, where Democratic candidates performed strongly in various key races. Goodwin’s triumph over Patrick, who has held the lieutenant governor position since 2014, offers hope to many within the hemp sector, which has been hindered by Patrick’s tough stance on THC regulations.
Shayda Torabi, co-owner of Restart CBD + THC, expressed relief and optimism following the election results. Her business, one of Texas’s first licensed retail hemp operations, has been significantly impacted by the regulatory environment shaped by Patrick. “We were all holding our breath last night, just knowing what we’ve dealt with,” she remarked, highlighting the challenges posed by the previous administration.
In 2025, Patrick spearheaded efforts to ban all hemp products containing THC in Texas, citing safety concerns. Although his proposal was vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott, it led to new regulations that imposed higher licensing fees and marketing restrictions, severely affecting businesses like Torabi’s. She noted that a substantial portion of her inventory was forced off the shelves due to these changes.
Goodwin’s election suggests a potential reversal of these policies. She has indicated a desire to restore previous regulations and work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to promote responsible growth. “We need to make it so that we go back to where we were prior to DSHS implementing those new rules,” Goodwin stated during a recent press conference.
Throughout her campaign, Goodwin positioned herself as a proponent of the hemp industry, engaging with retailers and pledging to advocate for legislation that would support and regulate hemp products. As Lieutenant Governor, she will have a significant influence over which bills are prioritized in the State Senate, providing an opportunity for the industry to have its concerns addressed.
Despite the optimism surrounding Goodwin’s election, the hemp industry faces immediate challenges, particularly with a federal ban on THC set to take effect on December 11th. This ban restricts hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package, posing a threat to various market segments, including beverages and gummies. “Consumers should be prepared that products in the THC and intoxicating hemp categories will be leaving shelves,” Torabi cautioned.
While the upcoming federal ban presents a significant hurdle, Torabi remains hopeful that Goodwin’s leadership will foster constructive dialogue and lead to positive changes for the hemp industry in Texas. However, she acknowledges that any legislative progress will take time. “The ban hits in December, and Goodwin won’t take office until January. The Texas legislative session begins then and runs until the end of summer, meaning any new bills won’t be effective until September,” she explained, emphasizing the need for patience in the face of regulatory change.
As the hemp industry looks forward to this new chapter under Goodwin’s leadership, stakeholders are eager to see how the political landscape will evolve and what measures will be introduced to support their interests.
