MIDLAND, Texas — A proposed law that would have banned all THC products in Texas has been vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott, leaving hemp business owners in the Permian Basin breathing a sigh of relief.
“I thought that decision really represented Governor Abbott listening to Texans,” said Paul Cyphers, CFO of Imperium Roots, a local hemp and THC retailer. “We had 150,000 signatures, boxes of letters, and a real grassroots movement that spoke to our governor. And he listened.”
Senate Bill 3, if passed, would have outlawed the sale of any THC-containing product in the state, including items commonly sold in stores like Imperium Roots.
“You’re talking about taking or destroying all of the capital invested to start this business, and many others,” Cyphers said. “It would’ve pointed Texans to the black market or to New Mexico, where recreational marijuana is legal. The strongest supporters of this ban were not moms or dads—they were big alcohol and out-of-state marijuana companies.”
Imperium Roots, founded just five years ago by lifelong West Texans, employs a dozen locals and serves hundreds of customers each week. General Manager Gabe Herrera said they see people from all walks of life looking for relief.
“Sleep issues are huge,” Herrera said. “People of all ages come in looking for something that can help. For some, it’s a substitute for heavier drugs—we see people move off sleeping pills, even antidepressants, with products that have fewer side effects.”
Cyphers echoed that sentiment.
“We meet people that can’t put down the bottle of alcohol, and they’re able to replace it with a hemp product,” he said. “We meet people who got off opioids. There’s absolutely a place for it, and a total ban does not protect Texans.”
The business also prides itself on quality and transparency.
“We vet every product we carry,” said Cyphers. “We only sell naturally derived cannabinoids, no synthetics. Every product is tested in a DEA-certified lab to ensure it’s free from pesticides, mold, or heavy metals.”
Even though the veto has prevented an immediate shutdown of operations, the issue isn’t going away. A special legislative session is scheduled for July 30, and lawmakers could revisit similar proposals.
Cyphers and Herrera say they’re not against rules—in fact, they welcome more.
“We are pro-regulation,” said Cyphers. “We card every customer. You must be 21 to buy anything. We don’t market to kids, and we don’t think it belongs in schools or in the hands of minors. We just want common-sense guidelines.”
Despite criticism from some lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who linked THC businesses to criminal activity, Cyphers says their store represents everyday Texans.
“These aren’t criminals or cartel members. These are your neighbors—teachers, veterans, small business owners,” he said. “People who want a safer option.”
As the debate continues, Imperium Roots hopes the state keeps listening to the voices of the people.
“Thank you for listening to the people,” Cyphers said in a message to Governor Abbott. “We appreciate your message to the legislature: keep it out of the hands of children, but don’t destroy an industry helping people.”
Herrera added: “Hemp is definitely helping more lives than it’s hurting, for sure.”
For now, the products stay on the shelves. But the future of the industry in Texas remains uncertain.
