[PRESS RELEASE] – AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2025 – On the 7th of April, hundreds local business owners, farmers and hemp advocates will gather in the Texas Capitol to give testimony against Senate Bill 3 & House Bill 28, sending the clear message that these bills would destroy the state’s flourishing hemp industry.
Texas Hemp Business Council calls on the Texas House of Representatives state legislators to vote against S.B. The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) is calling on state legislators in the Texas House of Representatives to reject S.B. The Texas House Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing on Monday to discuss H.B.
We urge the Texas House of Representatives to consider carefully the implications of S.B. We urge the Texas House of Representatives to consider carefully the effects that S.B. “The hemp industry is a vital source of income for tens and thousands of farmers, small business owners and consumers,” Cynthia Cabrera said, President of the Texas Hemp Business Council, and Chief Strategy Officer at Hometown Hero. Texas has created a vibrant hemp industry that generates jobs, taxes and provides safe, legal products to responsible adults. Restrictive measures could stifle innovation, drive businesses away from the state and limit consumer choice. Our team is ready to partner with lawmakers in order to achieve a balance between public safety and economic opportunities. “The future of Texas hemp depends on it; we must get this right.”
S.B. S.B.
Newly released The Economic Report, Hemp-derived cannabinoids: a revisit of the economic impact analysis of cannabis retail in Texas,* reveals that the hemp industry is a major contributor to the Texas economy, generating $5.5 billion in annual sales with an estimated tax revenue of $268 million. Whitney Economics developed the report. It also revealed that Texas S.B. The latest figures show that the ban on all THC-derived hemp products (S.B.
The following findings are also included:
- Retail GrowthThe retail sales revenue in 2025 is expected to reach $4,3 billion. That’s up from $3,3 billion in 2023.
- Industrial ExpansionIn 2025 the total number of jobs within the hemp industry will grow to 53.300, up from 50.100 positions in 2023.
- High PayThe hourly wage increased across all industries, from $1.6 million in 2023 to $2.1 in 2025.
Texans are overwhelmingly in favor of regulated hemp, and not a ban
A recent survey by Baselice & Associates Inc.** found that 68% of likely Texas voters support keeping hemp-derived consumable THC legal, provided it is regulated with measures like age restrictions and warning labels. Compared to this, only 20% support an outright prohibition. The following findings were also made:
- The younger generation is most likely to support legalization, as 76% of voters aged 18-34 are in favour, compared with 55% of seniors.
- Republican voters are two to one in favor of regulation over prohibition (57% against 29%). Meanwhile, Democrats strongly support the legalization of THC (80% against 10%).
- The Independents are closely aligned with the average statewide (72% vs. 17%).
Common-Sense Regulation is the Answer, not Prohibition
Texas law (H.B. Texas law (H.B. THBC, building on the foundation of this legislation, supports further measures that will enhance industry safety, such as:
- Sales are limited to those 21 years and older, except for veterans.
- Safety of the consumer is ensured by child-resistant packaging.
- Setbacks on adult products sold in schools.
Cabrera stated that “Hemp companies across Texas stand together, because it is not just about one business; this is about lives, consumer rights and future of entrepreneurship for our state.” Texas is entitled to better than an outright ban. We are also strongly opposed to H.B. 28 would harm even more small businesses by limiting consumer choice. The Texans need to be heard and we urge the legislators not to vote against Texans but rather with them. “We call on legislators to stand with Texans, not against them and vote no both H.B. 28.”
How to Testify
Texas residents who would like to submit electronic comments regarding S.B. After the public hearing is over, Texas residents who want to electronically submit comments about S.B. After the adjournment of the hearing, anyone who wishes to testify without appearing in person may do so by: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c450.
Information on witness registration is available here for those who want to appear in court. https://mytxlegis.capitol.texas.gov/HWRSPublic/About.aspx.
* Whitney Economics conducted a survey in 2025 that lasted six weeks and reached 4,500 companies, or 53% of the estimated 8,500 hemp businesses in Texas.
** The survey, conducted by Baselice & Associates, Inc. from March 10-12, 2025, included 600 likely voters and had a margin of error of ±4.0%.