James Talarico Uses Trump's Own Words Against Texas Republicans' THC Ban
Talarico described Texas' THC ban as a "gift to the cartels."
James Talarico, a Texas Senate candidate, has criticized a new ban on the sale of THC products, drawing parallels to President Donald Trump's own words. Talarico, a current state legislator, is contesting against Attorney General Ken Paxton in the increasingly competitive 2026 midterms. Polls suggest the race is tightening as Trump's popularity in the state wanes.
Talarico argues the ban brings Texas "back to the days of prohibition," likening it to a "gift to the cartels" and urging Texans to continue using THC products from local small businesses rather than the black market. He uses a quote from Trump, who endorsed his opponent, to oppose the ban, stating that the draconian rule doesn't address minors, deceptive marketing, or smoke shops near schools.
The ban specifically targets delta-8 and delta-10 THC products, while delta-9 THC products remain legal if below 0.3 percent dry weight. The new policy could lead to legal consequences for possession of illegal THC products, potentially impacting the state's cannabis industry. The ban stems from a Texas Supreme Court decision allowing reclassification of these products as Schedule I controlled substances, leading to the enforcement of a 2021 ban.
Despite the ban's implementation, Talarico maintains an early lead in the polls, attributed to Trump's declining popularity and Texans' potential shift towards regulation over prohibition.
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