Federal cannabis and hemp policy took a dramatic turn this fall, with Congress passing legislation that poses serious challenges for the consumable hemp industry nationwide. These changes have created deep uncertainty for businesses and consumers who rely on safe, legal access to hemp-derived products.
But here in Texas, momentum hasn’t slowed. In fact, our state is taking meaningful steps forward — making this an especially critical moment for stakeholders, advocates, and policymakers to come together.
Texas Advances State-Level Regulations
While federal policy is shifting in a concerning direction, Texas continues to build out its regulatory framework with key developments on multiple fronts:
- Rulemaking is underway to implement the expansion of the Compassionate Use Program following recent legislative changes.
- Nine new licenses for the program will be awarded on December 1, marking a major milestone in the program’s growth.
- Hemp regulation improvements are advancing through two state agencies — work focused on establishing clearer, stronger rules to responsibly regulate THC for adult use.
With so much in motion at the same time, Texas is entering one of its most consequential periods for cannabis policy since 2015.
New Speakers Confirmed for TCPC 2026
To help the community navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, we are thrilled to announce several distinguished leaders who will take the stage at the 2026 Texas Cannabis Policy Conference, happening January 29–31 at the University of Texas at Austin.
These speakers bring expertise across regulation, legislation, healthcare, veteran advocacy, legal analysis, and public policy research:
- Thomas Graham, Executive Director, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
- Rep. Drew Darby (R–San Angelo)
- Adam Bazaldua, Dallas City Council Member
- Mitch Fuller, Director of Governmental Affairs, Texas VFW
- Andrea Steel, Cannabis Attorney and Regulatory Specialist
- Dr. Katharine Neill Harris, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University
These voices will help unpack the changing regulatory environment, highlight the challenges ahead, and explore Texas’ opportunities to build a responsible, well-regulated cannabis market.
Charting Our Path Forward
As federal disruptions collide with Texas’ continued progress, the need for informed dialogue and coordinated advocacy has never been clearer.
The 2026 Texas Cannabis Policy Conference will provide a much-needed space for stakeholders to gather, share insights, build relationships, and prepare for the next phase — including key rulemaking decisions, the 2026 election cycle, upcoming political conventions, and the foundation for the 2027 legislative session.
Texas can still get this right. But it will require collaboration, engagement, and a commitment to evidence-based policy.
Join Us in Austin — Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
We’re expecting more than 200 attendees at this year’s conference, including industry leaders, policymakers, attorneys, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and advocates from across the state.
If your organization would like to support this important work and engage directly with conference participants, sponsorship opportunities are now available.
You can review the full sponsorship packages on our website or reach out to Holly to explore the best fit for your organization (holly@txmjpolicy.org).
We look forward to seeing you in Austin this January — and working together to advance sensible, effective cannabis policy in Texas.