Episode 127

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Published on:

12th Feb 2026

Texas Cannabis Marketplace: What's Coming Next?

In this episode of @thebuildingtexasshow we sit down with Heather Fazio from the @texascannabispolicy to discuss the emerging marijuana marketplace in Texas. We explore the nuances of current marijuana policy and the potential impacts of THC and CBD on the state's economy. This conversation sheds light on the future of cannabis drug testing and related regulations.

Texas cannabis policy is changing fast. We break down hemp vs marijuana, regulation, safety, and what Texans should expect next.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Heather Fazio, Executive Director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, to explain how cannabis policy has evolved in Texas—and what thoughtful regulation could look like moving forward.

They discuss the rise of hemp shops across the state, why Governor Abbott vetoed a ban on hemp products, how Texas compares to states like Colorado and Oklahoma, and why education, enforcement, and consumer safety matter more than prohibition.

This conversation is released ahead of the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference and offers clarity for business owners, policymakers, and everyday Texans trying to understand a rapidly growing marketplace.

Topics Covered

• Hemp vs marijuana under Texas law

• Why Texans oppose prohibition

• Medical cannabis and the Compassionate Use Program

• Gaps in regulation and enforcement

• Lessons from Colorado and Oklahoma

• Public health, safety, and consumer education

• The future of cannabis policy in Texas

00:00 Texas cannabis policy explained

00:44 Why cannabis regulation is a growing issue in Texas

01:45 Hemp shops, CBD stores, and consumer confusion

02:15 Hemp vs marijuana: what’s legal in Texas

03:40 Medical cannabis and the Compassionate Use Program

04:14 What Texas can learn from Colorado and Oklahoma

06:24 How Texas became the 40th medical cannabis state

06:30 Who attends the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference

07:20 Federal hemp policy uncertainty explained

08:25 Public health, safety, and responsible regulation

09:55 Where to learn more about Texas cannabis policy

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About the Podcast

The Building Texas Show
The Building Texas Show with host, Justin McKenzie, about the balance of business and governance. Each week, we’ll interview the local leaders affecting the issues and uncover the power you have to forge the future.

www.buildingtexasshow.com

About your host

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Justin McKenzie

Based in Boerne, Texas, Justin hosts The Building Texas Show—a podcast spotlighting the bold minds shaping the future of the Lone Star State. When he’s not building teams or building momentum, he’s out exploring, discovering new ideas, or connecting with the people who make it all worthwhile.

As Chief Operating Officer at Charity Ace, Justin helps shape the engine behind the mission—bringing sharp strategy and innovative structure to fuel long-term growth. He believes in business as a force for good, and shows up every day to prove what’s possible when purpose meets execution.