Fight For Your Right
Brainstorming to Save Legal Hemp in Texas: Detailed Action Plan
Published: July 25, 2025 | Author: Shane Shipman
Why Hemp Deserves Our Fight
Inspired by Shane Shipman’s X post (https://t.co/5KTUFYWx1k), legal hemp in Texas—cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC under the 2018 Farm Bill—is a lifeline. It relieves pain, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea with minimal harm (less than 1% serious incidents, 2025 CDC survey). Yet, SB 5, introduced July 21, 2025, threatens to ban these products, backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s ban push and Gov. Greg Abbott’s stance against intoxicating THC. This $8 billion industry (50,000 jobs, FOX 7 Austin, 2025) hangs in the balance—let’s brainstorm to save it!
The Proven Benefits of Hemp
- Pain Relief: CBD and THCA reduce chronic pain, offering a safer alternative to opioids (2025 Journal of Cannabis Research).
- Inflammation: CBG and CBC show anti-inflammatory effects, aiding arthritis patients (preliminary 2025 UT Health study).
- Anxiety: CBD modulates the endocannabinoid system, calming without intoxication (2024 Healthline update).
- Nausea: CBDA, from raw hemp, outperforms some anti-nausea drugs for chemo patients (2017 study).
With 60% of Texans supporting reform (2025 UT/Texas Tribune Poll), the public backs hemp—science agrees, but legislation doesn’t.
The SB 5 Threat: What’s at Stake
SB 5, in the special session ending July 31, 2025, proposes regulating hemp-derived products with potential bans on consumable THC items. Patrick’s veto of SB 3 on June 22 and Abbott’s recent statements signal a crackdown. If passed, this could drive hemp to an underground market, risking untested products and lost jobs. The Senate State Affairs Committee heard it on July 22—next steps are imminent. We need a plan, and we need it fast!
Who to Contact and How
Legislators hold the key. Here’s a detailed list to target:
| Name | Role | Contact | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sen. Charles Perry | SB 5 Sponsor | charles.perry@senate.texas.gov | (512) 463-0128 | Email: Share your hemp benefit story (200 words max). Call: Urge regulation over bans. |
| Sen. Lois Kolkhorst | Committee Chair | lois.kolkhorst@senate.texas.gov | (512) 463-0118 | Write: Cite 60% public support. Call: Request a public forum. |
| Gov. Greg Abbott | Governor | governor@texas.gov | (512) 463-2000 | Email: Highlight $8B industry. Call: Push for veto if SB 5 bans. |
| Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick | Senate Leader | danspeak@outlook.com | (512) 463-0001 | Email: Challenge “poison” claim with CDC data. Call: Demand evidence-based policy. |
Use Who Represents Me to find your senator. Sample email: “Hemp eased my pain—SB 5 bans hurt, not help. Regulate, don’t prohibit.”
Let’s Brainstorm Together!
Share Your Ideas Below!
We need a multi-front fight. Here are detailed starters—add yours!
- Rallies: Plan a July 29 event in Austin. Where? How many attendees? Partner with BeeHippy?
- Legislative Push: Beyond emails, organize a 1,000-call day to senators on July 28. Volunteers?
- X Campaign: Launch #SaveHempTX with videos. Tagline ideas? Influencers to recruit?
- Business Support: Contact 10 hemp shops by July 27 for a coalition. Which ones?
- Expert Voices: Invite UT Health researchers for testimony. Who else?
Comment with your thoughts, or share on X with #SaveHempTX. Let’s turn ideas into action by July 28!
Next Steps
I’m not ready for a GoFundMe alone, but I’m open to crowdfunding later with you. For now, use this blog as our brainstorming hub. Check capitol.texas.gov for SB 5 updates, follow @TexasTribune or @HempTX on X, and let’s refine our plan. Together, we can protect hemp!
My email to Governor Greg Abbott
ReplyDeletegovernor@texas.gov
Dear Governor Greg Abbott:
Thank you for vetoing SB 3, allowing time to address hemp’s future.
I’m concerned about contaminants in unlabeled products at gas stations and convenience stores, lacking certificates of analysis or independent testing, posing safety risks.
The push against THC via SB 5 overlooks hemp’s benefits. Legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill (under 0.3% Delta-9 THC), it’s safer than alcohol or opioids, aiding pain, inflammation, and nausea (<1% harm, 2025 CDC). Licensed dispensaries could ensure quality.A ban risks an underground market, empowering cartels and endangering Texans—more harm than good. With 60% favoring legal access (2025 UT/Texas Tribune Poll) and a $8 billion industry (50,000 jobs, FOX 7 Austin), this defies public will.
Hemp has helped me manage pain and anxiety without severe side effects; CBD balances THC’s potential anxiety. I urge you to veto SB 5 if it bans, not regulates—consider THC:CBD ratios for safety. Your leadership can balance freedom and protection. With the session ending July 31, act now to preserve this legal resource.
Sincerely,
Shane Shipman
My Email to Lt. Gov Dan Patrick
ReplyDeletedanspeak@outlook.com
Dear Lt. Gov. Patrick,
Your labeling of hemp as "poison" echoes outdated reefer madness, ignoring science. Hemp, with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC under the 2018 Farm Bill, is far safer than alcohol or pharmaceuticals, helping thousands with pain, anxiety, and nausea (2025 CDC: <1% harm). Licensed dispensaries ensure responsible use, offering a lifeline where drugs fail.SB 5’s potential ban risks driving this to cartels, harming more than it helps.
With 60% of Texans supporting safe access (2025 UT/Texas Tribune Poll), your stance defies the public. Hemp’s $8 billion industry and 50,000 jobs (FOX 7 Austin) also hang in the balance.As someone who’s seen hemp ease a loved one’s chronic pain, I urge you to reject this ban. Regulate, don’t prohibit—listen to evidence and constituents. The special session ends July 31; act now to protect, not punish.
Sincerely,
Shane Shipman