Texas THC Laws Weaponize Reefer Madness

I don’t even know what’s going on in Texas anymore. The way this state is treating its own citizens makes zero sense to sane people.

I remain stubbornly attached to the old-fashioned idea that politicians are supposed to be our representatives. I expect them to listen to the wishes of the people and then act in a way that benefits and protects those people.

Instead, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his allies have waged a war against THC—and the casualties are everyday Texans.

Texans Have Made Their Wishes Clear

Let’s back up and look at what Texans actually want.

A 2025 University of Houston poll found that 62% of Texans supported legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. Sixty-nine percent supported decriminalizing marijuana for personal use, while a whopping 79% supported fully legalizing medical marijuana.

That isn’t a fringe opinion. That isn’t a tiny group of stoners waving signs outside the Capitol. On almost any other issue, those numbers would be considered an overwhelming mandate.

Instead of listening, Texas leaders continue searching for new ways to criminalize people.

The latest crackdown makes products containing delta-8, delta-10 and several other THC variants illegal controlled substances. Low-level possession can now expose someone to penalties normally associated with serious felony crimes.

Boiled down to its bare essentials, the punishment looks like this:

Possession of less than one gram of an illegal THC substance can be charged as a state-jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000. Possession of more than 400 grams can bring 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

That is wildly out of proportion to the offense. It’s big-government scary. I’m talking “they cane people in Singapore” levels of scary.

This Is Not About Protecting Texans

I should point out that I have no dog in this fight. Like many Texans, I’ve sampled the herb. Personally, I decided it was no longer for me.

That doesn’t mean I’m willing to stand by while people are misled, criminalized or have their lives ruined because they enjoy a little Mother Nature.

There is a reasonable conversation to be had about age restrictions, product testing, accurate labeling, impaired driving and keeping intoxicating products away from children. Those are legitimate concerns.

Turning otherwise law-abiding Texans into felons is not a reasonable solution.

Read More: Why People Wait Too Long To See A Doctor, And What It Costs Them

I recognize the polarized political world we live in. Maybe red voters will never vote blue, and blue voters will never vote red. Fine.

But for God’s sake, at least demand a red or a blue who will represent you—your wishes, your freedom and your vote.

Politicians are supposed to work for Texans.

Texans are not supposed to live in fear of politicians.