James Talarico Uses Trump’s Own Words Against Texas Republicans’ THC Ban

Key Points:

• Texas Senate candidate James Talarico criticized the new ban on THC products in Texas, calling it a return to prohibition and arguing it will push consumers to the black market, benefiting drug cartels.
• Talarico used a quote from former President Donald Trump, who opposes arrests for small amounts of marijuana and supports regulated access to safe products, to oppose the ban and urge Texas Republicans to reconsider.
• The ban targets THC products containing delta-8 and delta-10 but exempts some delta-9 products under 0.3% dry weight; possession of banned products can lead to jail time and fines following a Texas Supreme Court ruling.
• Polls indicate a tightening Texas Senate race between Talarico and incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton, with some showing Talarico leading despite Texas's conservative lean and Trump's 2024 victory in the state.
• The THC ban is expected to become a contentious issue in the 2026 Senate race, with Talarico appealing to younger and independent voters for regulation over prohibition, while supporters defend it as a public safety measure amid potential legal challenges.