Politics
Goodwin's Upset Win Over Patrick Energizes Texas Hemp Businesses as Court Ruling Looms
Vikki Goodwin's defeat of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who led the charge to crack down on THC products, has hemp retailers hopeful, but a pending court ruling on state regulations could still reshape the industry.
ROWLETT, Texas â Hemp retailers across North Texas are voicing cautious optimism after Vikki Goodwin unseated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whose aggressive push to restrict THC products had made him a central figure in the state's cannabis debate.
At Endo Dispensary & Wellness in Rowlett, owner Mike Brown said the atmosphere has shifted markedly following Tuesday's election, capping what he described as a punishing year and a half of regulatory uncertainty.
"Very, very optimistic, joyful. A lot of our customers have been celebrating," Brown said.
Brown said the shifting rules have left small business owners unsure from one month to the next which products they may legally sell.
"You can sell this but not that, and you have politicians that are targeting you intentionally moving the goal post, changing the rules as you go," he said.
Patrick led the legislative effort to crack down on THC products in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a proposed ban championed by Patrick in June 2025, but the lieutenant governor remained steadfast in his opposition to legalizing marijuana.
"But I'm not gonna legalize marijuana in Texas. And if people wanna vote me out of office for that, so be it," Patrick said at the time â a statement that took on new weight after Tuesday's results.
Goodwin made Patrick's stance on THC a centerpiece of her campaign and ultimately defeated him.
Attorney David Sergi, who has been involved in the legal fight over Texas hemp regulations, pointed to Patrick's earlier remarks.
"He threw down the challenge and we made him regret his words," Sergi said.
Sergi is lead counsel in a lawsuit against the state health department challenging new regulations that he said treat many hemp products like controlled substances. A judge is expected to rule on the case as soon as Friday, leaving another major decision hanging over the industry.
Sergi said Goodwin told him on election night that she wanted to redo those regulations. Asked about the industry's reaction to the election, he summed up the mood in one word: "Jubilation."
Not everyone is celebrating. The Texas Police Chiefs Association and other organizations oppose marijuana law reform.
"Texas families deserve leaders who protect public health and safety â not politicians who promote commercial THC while ignoring its victims and are influenced by Big Cannabis," Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas said in a statement.
Back at Endo Dispensary & Wellness, Brown acknowledged the fight over hemp regulations is far from over. But after months of uncertainty, he said he has no intention of backing down.
"You stand your ground and you don't back down," Brown said.