Texas' Incoming Lieutenant Governor Rules Out a Full THC Ban

November 12, 2026 at 8:13 am|By nuggnotes Media

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At her first post-election press conference, Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin said she wants regulation around THC, not a ban. Meanwhile, a Republican state representative says cannabis is an issue where he and Democrats "can definitely align" heading into the 2027 session.

Goodwin draws a line between regulation and prohibition

Texas' next lieutenant governor used her first post-election press conference to draw a line on cannabis.

At the Austin event on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, where she announced her bipartisan transition team, Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin (D) addressed THC policy directly:

"I think that we need regulation around THC. I'm not interested in a full ban on THC… there's a lot of details to be worked out, and I look forward to working with all of the senators to work out those details."

Her position puts regulation, rather than an outright prohibition, at the center of the incoming administration's approach to THC. Goodwin did not outline a specific regulatory proposal or commit to full adult-use legalization. Her remarks addressed the broader THC policy debate, leaving open questions about the future of hemp-derived products and the state's medical cannabis program.

The Senate will determine how far that position can go

The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate, the chamber where THC bans were pushed by her predecessor, Dan Patrick, the state's leading hemp-THC-ban backer, whom Goodwin defeated.

Republicans keep a Senate majority, so nothing passes in 2027 without GOP votes. Goodwin's framing, regulation rather than prohibition, worked out with "all of the senators," is written for that political math.

A Republican lawmaker sees common ground with Democrats

Rep. Wes Virdell (R-Kerrville) told KXAN cannabis is an issue "where me and the Democrats can definitely align," predicting "very bipartisan bills come out of the House, and hopefully the Senate."

Virdell acknowledged voting for SB 3 after Patrick promised him a major expansion of the Compassionate Use Program. He later said he texted Abbott's team urging a veto, which Abbott ultimately issued. Virdell now objects to felony penalties for people possessing THC gummies and vape cartridges.

His comments suggest there may be Republican support for a regulatory approach, even as the incoming leadership prepares to negotiate with a Republican-controlled Senate.

Texas' 2027 cannabis debate is already taking shape

Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) says she wants Texas voters to decide legalization through a referendum, which under Texas law would require a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

Goodwin and Hinojosa take office January 19, 2027, and the 90th Legislature convenes January 12, 2027.

Three adult-use legalization bills have already been prefiled: HB 362 and HB 369 in the House, and SB 237 in the Senate, as nuggnotes reported November 10. Separate proposals address medical cannabis expansion and other cannabis-related policies.

The question heading into the session is whether the incoming Democratic leadership and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can turn their shared interest in regulation into legislation that can pass the Republican-controlled Senate.

Sources

Marijuana Moment, "Texas Democrats And Republicans Preview Bipartisan Cooperation On Cannabis For 2027 Session," Nov. 11, 2026 Link
T-SPAN, "Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin unveils bipartisan transition team," Nov. 11, 2026

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