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State lawmakers prepared to battle it out over redistricting, THC this special session | Houston Public Media

Texas Lawmakers Gear Up for Heated Special Session Showdown on Redistricting and THC Regulations

AUSTIN, Texas – As the Texas Legislature convenes for what promises to be a contentious special session, state lawmakers are bracing for intense battles over two major issues: redistricting and the regulation of THC products. Called by Governor Greg Abbott in response to ongoing legal challenges and shifting political landscapes, this session underscores the deep divisions within the Republican-controlled legislature and the broader implications for Texas voters and consumers. With redistricting maps potentially reshaping electoral districts for the next decade and THC regulations touching on everything from medical marijuana to hemp-derived products, the stakes could not be higher.

The special session, which kicked off this week, comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that has thrown previous redistricting efforts into question. Lawmakers must redraw congressional, state House, and state Senate maps to comply with the 2030 census data, but the process is fraught with accusations of gerrymandering and voter suppression. Democrats, outnumbered but vocal, argue that the current maps unfairly dilute the voting power of minority communities, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. "This isn't about fair representation; it's about entrenching power," said State Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) during a press conference outside the Capitol. She pointed to data showing that Hispanic and Black voters, who make up a significant portion of Texas's population growth, have been systematically underrepresented in the proposed districts.

Republicans, led by figures like House Speaker Dade Phelan and Senate Majority Leader Paul Bettencourt, defend the maps as necessary adjustments to reflect population shifts while maintaining what they call "communities of interest." Bettencourt emphasized in a recent floor speech that the redistricting process must prioritize rural and suburban districts, which have seen population booms due to migration from high-tax states. However, critics within the GOP itself, including some conservative hardliners aligned with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have expressed dissatisfaction with maps they believe concede too much ground to urban Democrats. This internal friction could lead to prolonged debates and potential filibusters, reminiscent of the dramatic walkouts during the 2021 special sessions.

Adding fuel to the fire is the parallel fight over THC regulations. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has become a flashpoint in Texas as the state grapples with the booming market for hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and Delta-9 edibles. These items, often sold in smoke shops and convenience stores, exist in a legal gray area following the 2019 federal Farm Bill that legalized hemp. Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1325 that year to align with federal law, but enforcement has been inconsistent, leading to a surge in unregulated products that some say pose health risks, especially to minors.

Governor Abbott has made THC a priority in this session, calling for stricter regulations to curb what he describes as "backdoor marijuana legalization." In his proclamation convening the legislature, Abbott highlighted concerns over public safety, citing reports of increased emergency room visits related to high-potency THC edibles. "We cannot allow our communities to be flooded with dangerous, untested substances under the guise of hemp," he stated. Proposed bills include measures to ban Delta-8 outright, impose age restrictions, and require rigorous testing and labeling for all THC-infused products.

Proponents of liberalization, including a coalition of Democrats and libertarian-leaning Republicans, argue that outright bans would stifle economic growth and push consumers toward black-market alternatives. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio), a vocal advocate for cannabis reform, has introduced legislation to expand Texas's Compassionate Use Program, which currently allows low-THC cannabis oil for certain medical conditions. "Texas is falling behind states like Oklahoma and even conservative strongholds like Florida," Gutierrez said in an interview. "Regulating THC properly could generate millions in tax revenue and provide relief for patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD."

The economic angle is significant. The hemp industry in Texas has exploded, with estimates suggesting it contributes over $8 billion annually to the state's economy through farming, processing, and retail. Farmers in rural areas, many of whom switched from traditional crops like cotton to hemp, fear that stringent regulations could devastate their livelihoods. "We've invested everything into this," said Mark Thompson, a hemp farmer from West Texas, during a legislative hearing. "Banning Delta-8 would wipe out small businesses overnight."

Opposition to expanded THC access comes from various quarters, including law enforcement groups and social conservatives. The Texas Sheriffs' Association has lobbied heavily against any loosening of cannabis laws, arguing that it complicates policing and contributes to rising crime rates. "Distinguishing between legal hemp and illegal marijuana is nearly impossible without lab testing," said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Religious organizations, such as the Texas Values coalition, have also mobilized, framing THC as a gateway to broader drug use and moral decay.

As the session unfolds, procedural maneuvers are expected to play a key role. In the Senate, where Republicans hold a 19-12 majority, Lt. Gov. Patrick wields significant influence over the agenda. He has signaled support for Abbott's THC crackdown but remains noncommittal on redistricting specifics. The House, with its 86-64 Republican edge, may see more amendments and compromises, especially from moderate members representing swing districts.

The intersection of these issues has drawn national attention, with civil rights groups like the NAACP and ACLU preparing lawsuits if the redistricting maps are deemed discriminatory. On the THC front, national cannabis advocacy organizations are watching closely, viewing Texas as a potential bellwether for conservative states. "What happens in Austin could influence policy from Alabama to Arizona," noted Morgan Fox of the National Cannabis Industry Association.

Public opinion adds another layer of complexity. Recent polls from the University of Texas show that while a majority of Texans support medical marijuana expansion (around 70%), opinions on recreational use and THC products are more divided, with rural voters leaning against liberalization. Redistricting, often seen as an insider's game, polls lower in public awareness but carries profound implications for issues like abortion rights, gun control, and education funding, all of which could be affected by shifted district lines.

Lawmakers are under pressure to wrap up the session efficiently, as prolonged debates could bleed into the holiday season and affect preparations for the 2026 elections. However, with filibusters, amendments, and potential veto threats from Abbott, extensions are likely. "This isn't going to be quick or clean," predicted political analyst Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University. "Redistricting is always a blood sport, and adding THC to the mix turns it into a full-on war."

As debates rage in committee rooms and on the chamber floors, the outcomes will reverberate far beyond the Capitol. For redistricting, the maps could determine control of the U.S. House in future cycles, given Texas's outsized delegation. For THC, the decisions could either cement Texas's restrictive stance or open the door to a more progressive approach, influencing everything from public health to criminal justice reform.

In the end, this special session encapsulates the broader tensions in Texas politics: a state booming with diversity and innovation, yet grappling with conservative traditions and rapid change. Lawmakers on both sides are digging in, prepared for a battle that could define the Lone Star State's direction for years to come. Whether compromises emerge or gridlock prevails, the eyes of Texas – and the nation – are watching.

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Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2025/07/29/527398/state-lawmakers-prepared-to-battle-it-out-over-redistricting-thc-this-special-session/ ]