Cannabis laws continue to shift around the country. From legal adult-use markets to prohibition paired with intoxicating hemp products, every state approaches cannabis differently. Texas emerged as a unique market, with a fairly restrictive medical marijuana program—and a booming hemp space. Despite emerging Texas cannabis laws that feel imbalanced and ongoing efforts to curb the sale of certain products, operators in one category remain bullish on the Lone Star State.
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This week, popular canna-beverage brand Uncle Arnie’s announced its expansion into Texas. The maker of shots, sodas, and teas will soon land on the shelves of Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods. The retailer operates more than 200 locations across the state.
“What we’re seeing in Texas mirrors what happened with alcohol years ago — beverages win because they’re social, familiar, and easy to understand,” Theo Terris, CEO of Uncle Arnies, told GreenState. “As THC continues to break into the mainstream, drinks are becoming the category that brings in the broadest consumer base, and Texas is proving that in real time.”
Another mainstream retailer eyeing THC beverages is Circle K. The national convenience store chain announced late last year it was planning to add cannabis drinks to its shelves. The retailer said earlier this month that Texas is the next market to see infused bevvies in-store.
The news comes as state lawmakers debate new regulations for hemp-based products. It appears the beverage category may be getting a leg up; the proposed rules include a significant increase in licensing fees for smoke shops and hemp manufacturers. However, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores offering THC drinks would not be subject to the fee increases.
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The state is also proposing to change the definition of hemp in a way that would outlaw smokable THCA flower. Operators argue the proposed changes could be catastrophic for the vast majority of hemp businesses in the state.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation to expand the state’s medical marijuana program, but adult-use seems far off. A 2025 poll revealed 60 percent of Texans support legalizing recreational marijuana.
With so many voices in legislators’ ears, it’s hard to say where Texas truly stands on cannabis. Some sectors of the space are flourishing while others are being reined in. Despite widespread public support for easing restrictions on the plant, the state’s approach to cannabis remains fragmented, contradictory, and reads as just a tad bit confused.
