The Texas Hemp Summit is more than just another industry conference—it’s a front-row seat to a rapidly evolving market that’s quietly making waves in one of the country’s most unexpected places. Texas may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about cannabis, but with a thriving hemp market, an engaged community of entrepreneurs, and a growing push for smarter regulations, the Lone Star State is proving to be a major player in the future of hemp.
This year’s summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss not just where the industry is now, but where it’s headed. From sustainable farming and cutting-edge product development to the legal landscape and business strategies, every discussion highlighted why Texas deserves more attention in the national conversation. The event wasn’t just about learning—it was about collaboration, advocacy, and the opportunity to help shape the future of hemp in the state.
But as I prepared to make the drive at 4 a.m., a knot of anxiety began to form in my stomach. Dallas has taken a progressive stance on cannabis, voting to decriminalize the plant in 2024, a significant step in normalizing its presence in the state. But as I made my way to the Texas Hemp Summit, my route took me through small towns where the views on cannabis were a mystery to me. The contrast was stark, highlighting the ongoing tension between progressive urban policies and the deeply rooted traditionalism in rural Texas.
Texas is still in the patchwork phase of decriminalizing cannabis, with policies varying wildly from city to city. For every Austin or Dallas making strides, there are towns where cannabis culture is less visible—or perhaps even nonexistent. That uncertainty, combined with the natural unease of a long drive through unfamiliar territory, was enough to keep me on edge.
Still, I reminded myself why I was doing this. This wasn’t just a drive through small towns; it was a journey into the heart of a story I was eager to uncover. With a pack of sunflower seeds to keep my hands busy and my eyes open, I hit the road, hopeful and curious about what awaited me at the Texas Hemp Summit.
Arrival: A Surreal Welcome to the Texas Hemp Summit
I arrived on the Texas A&M campus for the first time ever, and it immediately struck me as the perfect venue—unexpected, but fitting. As the largest university in Texas, Texas A&M carries a reputation for academic excellence and deep-rooted agricultural expertise. Talking about weed on a college campus with the number one Biological and Agricultural Engineering program in the country? It was almost too much to believe.
The summit was hosted at the AgriLife Center, a space as impressive as the university’s reputation. The building’s floor-to-ceiling windows welcomed streams of natural light, filling the room with an almost electric energy, even at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. The atmosphere was lively yet professional, with attendees buzzing about in anticipation of the day’s sessions.
After checking in, I took a moment to soak in the scene, exchanging greetings with a few familiar faces. One of my first stops was to thank Shayda Torabi Howell, who had graciously given me the opportunity to attend. Shayda is a powerhouse in the Texas hemp space: a vocal advocate, the CEO and Co-Founder of Restart CBD—a dispensary based in Austin—and the President of the Texas Hemp Coalition, the advocacy group hosting the summit.
Her passion for the industry is undeniable, and it shows not just in her work, but in the energy she brings to events like this. This wasn’t just a networking opportunity—it was a celebration of how far the hemp industry in Texas had come, and Shayda had played no small role in that progress.
A Powerful Moment: The Future of Hemp at Texas A&M
After a heartfelt welcome speech that set the tone for the day, the panels kicked off—and wow, they delivered. One of my favorite things about the Texas Hemp Summit was its single-stage format. No running between rooms or choosing between overlapping sessions—every attendee was in the same room, hearing the same conversations, and soaking up the same insights. It created a uniquely intimate vibe, yet the diversity of perspectives in the room made every moment feel expansive and enriching.
I found my seat next to Jasmine Brennan of Mindful Compliance, a proud Aggie alum, whose pre
sence added an extra layer of significance to the day. As Dr. David Baltensperger, the Head of Soil and Crop Sciences, spoke about Texas A&M’s commitment to hemp through new courses, certificates, and extracurricular programs, Jasmine’s eyes welled with tears of joy. Her reaction was a powerful reminder of the depth of passion Texans have for this plant.
In that moment, I saw the pride and hope she carried—not just as a professional, but as someone deeply connected to the roots of this university and its groundbreaking embrace of hemp. It was contagious. I could feel the collective excitement in the room as people realized that Texas A&M wasn’t just participating in the hemp industry—it was actively shaping its future through education and innovation.
For me, it was a poignant reminder of the power of cannabis to inspire and unite. It’s not just a plant; it’s a movement, a force that brings people together across different backgrounds, experiences, and professions.
Deep Dive into the Sessions: Industry Growth and Policy Advocacy
The sessions covered a wealth of knowledge. Experts explored the thriving hemp market in Texas, emphasizing that despite ongoing regulatory challenges, the industry is growing rapidly with opportunities spanning agriculture, product innovation, and retail. Discussions included sustainable farming practices, the importance of supply chain efficiencies, and the evolving consumer demand for hemp-derived wellness products like beverages and topicals.
A key theme was the push for better regulations to ensure the industry continues to thrive. Policy experts and advocates highlighted the importance of legislative engagement and how businesses can play a role in shaping laws that support growth rather than restrict it. The panel on Texas and federal hemp regulations was particularly insightful, offering real-world strategies for navigating compliance while pushing for necessary policy changes.
Networking was just as valuable as the information being shared on stage. Between sessions, I found myself in deep conversations with business owners refining their strategies, researchers discussing the latest findings, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking their foothold in the industry. The summit wasn’t just a place to learn—it was a space to connect, collaborate, and find mentorship from industry veterans who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in Texas.
A Culture Shift in the Making
The Texas Hemp Summit wasn’t just about business; it was about changing perceptions in a state where cannabis remains a complicated conversation. Seeing a room full of passionate individuals from so many backgrounds made it clear that hemp is more than a niche industry in Texas—it’s a movement gaining traction. The fact that a major university like Texas A&M was openly embracing hemp research and education signaled that things were shifting in a big way.
This wasn’t just an industry event; it was a moment of cultural significance. The discussions throughout the day reflected the collective efforts of farmers, scientists, business leaders, and advocates working together to push hemp into the mainstream. It made me rethink my own assumptions about cannabis in Texas.
Takeaways: Lessons for Aspiring Cannabis Entrepreneurs
If there was one message repeated throughout the summit, it was this: anyone with the passion and work ethic to figure it out can find a place in this industry. Whether it was through automation strategies, creative marketing approaches, or the growing demand for hemp-based wellness products, the opportunities were everywhere.
One of my biggest takeaways? The importance of advocacy. Unlike more established cannabis markets, Texas hemp is still developing its legal framework, and industry players have a real opportunity to shape how it evolves.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Why Texas Hemp Deserves Our Attention
Texas’s hemp industry is generating significant economic impact, bringing in over $8.6 billion annually. But beyond the numbers, what’s happening here is setting the stage for the future of hemp nationwide. Texas, known for its conservative stance on cannabis, has proven to be an unexpected leader in hemp production, research, and market expansion.
We’ve seen states struggle to create regulations that allow businesses a real opportunity at success, but Texas continues to make strides in operating hemp licenses to create a truly accessible industry that employs over 50,000 Texans. With vast agricultural resources, a booming business climate, and consumer demand on the rise, the state has become an incubator for hemp innovation. However, the industry’s growth depends on policy changes that allow businesses to scale while protecting farmers and entrepreneurs who are investing in the future of hemp.
Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery
I walked into the Texas Hemp Summit thinking I had a solid grasp on cannabis culture in Texas. I left realizing that I had barely scratched the surface. The industry here is growing faster than I ever imagined, fueled by people who believe in hemp’s potential and are willing to fight for its place in the mainstream.
This experience changed my perspective. Texas isn’t just quietly participating in the cannabis space; it’s actively building something unique. And if the energy in that room was any indication, this is only the beginning.
