Texas Cannabis Crackdown Draws Fire Over Industry-Backed Corruption Claim

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico calls Texas’ ban on Delta-8 and other hemp-derived THC products an 'insane' form of corruption, arguing Big Beer and Big Tobacco pushed prohibition to protect profits. He notes THC products can be safer and less addictive than booze or cigarettes, emphasizes veterans and seniors use them, and warns criminalization may drive users to the black market and hurt local small businesses, as hemp companies sue to challenge the bans.