Foreword – From the Desk of Steven Brown

I sat down with Cynthia Cabrera the day Governor Abbott struck down SB3. What unfolded was a masterclass in grassroots strategy, political pugilism, and the difference between genuine industry stewardship and opportunistic grandstanding. This is the unvarnished story. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a compliant 2-mg seltzer (sorry, BevBros), and enjoy.

1. Prelude – Setting the Stage in Texas

Texas, 2025.

The air hung heavy with uncertainty, not from the humidity, but from fear—fear that the state’s once-flourishing hemp industry was about to be throttled by Senate Bill 3 (SB3). After years of entrepreneurship, patient victories, and nationwide leadership, Texas hemp producers found themselves staring down a legislative barrel pointed squarely at their business model.

The mood was tense. In Austin, whispers of “consumer safety” echoed through the marble halls—an often weaponized term used to cloak legislative overreach. The Texas Department of State Health Services had already tried its hand at cracking down in the past, but SB3 represented something different: a carefully engineered Trojan horse that would leave only beverage brands standing while shuttering the rest.

For those outside the Lone Star State, it may have looked like “just another hemp regulation.” But for the 6,000+ small businesses, patients, veterans, and consumers who depend on a wide spectrum of hemp products, it was an existential threat.

Enter the players: politicians like Lieutenant Dan Patrick with prohibitionist zeal, opportunists in polos carrying sparkling water infused with THC, and, thankfully, a few gladiators with actual backbone. The battle for hemp in Texas was on.

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2. The Bogeyman Bill: SB3 Explained

SB3 was camouflaged legislation. It sounded bland, even boring—if you just skimmed it. But make no mistake: this bill was built to devastate.

SB3 would have:

• Limited hemp-derived THC to extremely low levels in non-beverage products.

• Created convoluted and biased testing requirements impossible for many small producers to meet.

• Forced beverages into the alcohol industry’s three-tier system—a move that would devastate supply chains and consumer access.

• Left the entire flower, tincture, and edible sector without a legal foothold.

Worse, SB3 wasn't just a bad bill—it was a Trojan horse. While beverage companies were touting it as a “step forward for safety,” the reality was clear: it carved a niche for them while steamrolling the rest of the market.

What really irked industry insiders was the deception behind it. Lobbyists and organizations like CABA spoke glowingly about “responsibility” and “compliance,” all while ignoring how the bill would criminalize most of the products that had saved lives, built jobs, and—ironically—laid the groundwork for the very beverages now being celebrated.

The disingenuous nature of the bill became even more obvious during testimony. Beverage advocates pushed talking points comparing “clean, clear seltzers” to “dangerous” gummies and flower, as though the mode of delivery determined the morality of the molecule.

The truth? Same THC. Same legality. Same effects.

SB3 was a gift-wrapped grenade—and it almost went off.

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3. Enter Hometown Hero

When it comes to defending hemp in Texas, no name commands more respect than Hometown Hero.

Founded by Lucas Gilkey and guided politically by the seasoned and sharp Cynthia Cabrera, Hometown Hero didn’t just push back—they went to war. This wasn’t their first rodeo either. In 2021, they secured an injunction that prevented the state from banning Delta-8 THC, allowing the entire market to continue operating.

Back then, they could have protected only their own operations. Instead, they insisted on an injunction that covered the entire industry—retailers, processors, farmers, and even their competitors. Why? Because they believe in competition. Because they believe in consumers making choices—not bureaucrats or beverage barons making them for them.

In the face of SB3, Hometown Hero again stepped into the breach—not because it was good for their brand, but because it was right. Theirs wasn’t a strategy of short-term appeasement. It was a mission to uphold access, freedom, and business integrity across all product types: beverages, tinctures, edibles, and flower.

“We don’t believe in restricting markets. We don’t believe in limited licenses. We believe all players should compete—and the market will choose.”
—Cynthia Cabrera, Texas Hemp Business Council

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4. Building the Big Tent: The Birth of THBC

As the SB3 threat loomed, Hometown Hero didn’t just act alone. They knew that real change comes from coordinated pressure. That’s why they helped birth the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC)—a cross-industry coalition of companies, patients, retailers, veterans, and advocates united under one simple principle:

No segment left behind.

THBC’s mission was the antithesis of the beverage lobby's carve-out mentality. While others were scheming to protect cans and abandon tinctures, THBC drafted House Bill 4242, a thoughtful, inclusive alternative that would:

• Protect all hemp-derived cannabinoids and delivery formats.

• Enforce reasonable safety testing protocols.

• Create a level playing field for all businesses—big and small.

Unlike the behind-the-scenes deals that defined the SB3 crew’s tactics, HB 4242 was public, transparent, and open for input. Yet many within the industry didn’t bother to read it—preferring instead to chase backroom deals with liquor lobbyists and “compromises” that required no sacrifice from themselves, just from everyone else.

THBC’s work wasn’t easy. They faced resistance not only from the state’s political brass but from within the hemp industry itself. Associations tried to broker carve-outs without community buy-in. Some brands panicked and cut deals that betrayed their peers.

But through it all, THBC held the line.

“We kept saying—there are no secrets here. Read the bill. It’s public. It protects everyone.”
—Cynthia Cabrera

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5. Who Are the BevBros (and Why Are They Wearing Flip‑Flops in the Capitol)?

Ah yes, the BevBros.

The newest crop of hemp opportunists didn’t grow up in the trenches. They didn’t survive raids, injunctions, or media smear campaigns. They didn’t spend nights printing labels in a back room or answering desperate emails from veterans needing relief.

Nope. They showed up with a pitch deck, a can of THC seltzer, and an inflated sense of self-importance.

Many BevBros hail from cannabis-adjacent or alcohol backgrounds. Realizing they could legally ship low-dose THC beverages across state lines (thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill), they raced to market with slick branding and wellness language. But when SB3 emerged, they didn’t just support it—they helped write it.

Why? Because the bill favored their product category and forced beverages into the liquor distribution system—a move that would eliminate small competitors and hand power to national distributors. It was Prohibition-era logic wrapped in a LaCroix can.

To make matters worse, after SB3 was vetoed thanks to grassroots pressure, BevBros raced to LinkedIn to claim the victory.

Yes, seriously.

“We saved Texas hemp!” one CABA-affiliated executive posted proudly—despite supporting the very bill that would’ve nuked the rest of the industry.

Here’s the thing: You don’t get to try and burn the house down and then show up with a garden hose, take a selfie, and claim to be a hero.

“The same Delta-9 is in your beverage, bro. You didn’t invent clean THC—you just added bubbles.”
—Steven Brown, Nothing But Hemp

While the BevBros were rubbing shoulders at cocktail hours, THBC was organizing veterans. While CABA was drafting press releases, Cynthia Cabrera was delivering 8,000 hand-written letters to the Governor’s mansion.

That’s the difference.

Cynthia Cabrera: The Relentless General

To understand why SB3 was vetoed, you need to understand Cynthia Cabrera.

Born in Puerto Rico and seasoned through decades in policy and advocacy, Cynthia is equal parts tactician, fighter, and motivator. She’s the kind of leader who doesn’t ask others to do what she wouldn’t do herself—and she’ll do it better, faster, and with more style.

When Cynthia speaks, rooms get quiet—not because she yells, but because she commands presence. During the height of the SB3 fight, she was running 20-hour days. Rallying industry leaders by morning, giving testimony at noon, calling lawmakers by dinner, and answering desperate DMs from small retailers well into the night.

Her style? Blunt. Honest. Unapologetic.

“I’d rather die standing than live on my knees.”
—Cynthia Cabrera, in her interview with Nothing But Hemp

She wasn’t afraid to call out fellow associations for betrayal. She wasn’t afraid to say, “No, you don’t get a carve-out while the rest of us suffer.” She even told one lobbyist: “What the f**k are you doing?”—not out of anger, but clarity. She called it what it was: cowardice disguised as pragmatism.

And when Lieutenant Dan and other prohibitionists tried to paint the hemp community as dangerous, Cynthia didn’t flinch. She organized, educated, and escalated. She refused to let fear set the agenda.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t the legislature—it was keeping people within our own industry from panicking and selling out.”
—Cynthia Cabrera

Cynthia doesn’t just deserve applause—she deserves a statue.

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7. Nothing But Hemp’s Uncut Interview – Highlights & Revelations

On June 23, 2025, Steven Brown of Nothing But Hemp sat down with Cynthia for an unfiltered, raw, and often emotional conversation. This wasn’t a PR spin. This was truth—messy, detailed, and full of righteous frustration.

📺 Watch the full uncut interview on YouTube

🔥 Interview Highlights:

• The Inside Scoop: Cynthia had confirmation of the veto nearly a week before it happened—but refused to celebrate until the ink dried.

  “I like to see the dead body before I call it a win.”

• Disunity in the Ranks: She explained how some industry groups secretly lobbied for carve-outs without informing the broader coalition.

  “They said, ‘You didn’t tell us your strategy.’ I said, ‘It’s public. It’s HB 4242. Read it.’”

• Grassroots Power: Over 150,000 digital petitions and 8,000 hand-written letters were delivered to Governor Abbott’s office.

  “Even the Governor’s team asked us for the digital file. They wanted to verify it—because the volume was insane.”

• Emotional Testimonies: Cynthia recounted letters from domestic violence survivors, veterans, and even a 92-year-old woman who wrote:

  “Please don’t take my medicine. I’m an adult. I’ve earned the right to choose.”

• The BevBro Lie: Cynthia laughed when asked about beverage brands claiming victory.

  “It’s the same damn Delta-9. What are they even talking about?”

This interview is the backbone of this blog. If you want the real story—not the PR fluff—watch it. Share it. Bookmark it.

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8. The Numbers: 150,000 Petitions & 8,000 Hand-Written Letters

When the veto happened, some asked, “What tipped the scales?”

It wasn’t CABA.
It wasn’t a perfect tweet.
It wasn’t a well-placed op-ed.

It was people power.

THBC and Hometown Hero mobilized tens of thousands of citizens across Texas. Veterans signed petitions at VA meetings. Small retailers collected letters in jars at the register. Senior citizens mailed handwritten pleas in crinkled envelopes with cursive handwriting and return addresses in every corner of the state.

Breakdown:

• 📧 150,000+ digital petitions sent through grassroots platforms

• 🖋️ 8,000+ hand-written letters delivered to the Governor’s office

• 🧓 30%+ of letters came from Texans over 60

• 🪖 Thousands came from active military families and veterans

This wasn’t astroturf. This was real, raw civic engagement. It overwhelmed staffers. It reminded lawmakers that hemp isn’t some niche issue—it’s health, business, family, and freedom.

When the Governor’s office asked for the spreadsheet of digital petitioners, THBC knew it was serious. They weren't brushing it off. They were reading every line.

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9. Grassroots Greatness: Veterans, Seniors & Small Biz Owners

This fight wasn’t won by deep pockets or trade show panels. It was won by real people who rely on hemp to survive and thrive.

🪖 Veterans

From PTSD to pain management, veterans were the loudest voices in the room. Organizations partnered with THBC to amplify their message: “We fought for this country. Don’t take away the plant that keeps us sane.”

One vet wrote:

“I don’t want opioids. I don’t want to be sedated. I want to be present for my family.”

👵 Seniors

Forget the stereotype of young stoners. The real engine of the Texas hemp movement? Seniors.

A 78-year-old grandmother from Dallas mailed a four-page letter:

“I use a 5mg gummy every night. If you ban it, I’ll be back on sleeping pills—and I don’t want to die in my sleep because someone wanted to feel moral.”

🏪 Small Business Owners

Retailers across Texas posted signs: “This store is under threat from SB3.” Customers scanned QR codes to send petitions on the spot.

One retailer summed it up perfectly:

“If SB3 passes, I’ll have to lay off my staff, close this store, and tell my family I failed. We’re not a dispensary. We’re just a family-run wellness shop. And we’re being treated like criminals.”

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10. LinkedIn LARPing: When CABA Claimed the Crown

Just hours after the veto of SB3 was announced, something strange happened: CABA (Cannabis Beverage Association) took to LinkedIn... and claimed credit.

Seriously.

You can’t make this up. Their chair posted glowing praise for the “team’s hard work” and “relentless advocacy.” Yet here’s the kicker: CABA supported the bill. The very bill that would have obliterated flower, tinctures, vapes, and edibles.

It was the political equivalent of lighting a house on fire, watching firefighters put it out, and then taking a selfie in front of the smoldering rubble with a hashtag: #WeDidIt

“It’s comical,” said one THBC member. “The beverage folks were at the hearings saying, ‘We’re fine with the bill—it protects beverages.’ And now they’re acting like they slayed the dragon.”

Their celebration was so tone-deaf, it sparked outrage across the hemp industry. Brands began subtweeting. Retailers mocked them. And veterans who had spent hours canvassing asked, “Who are these people?”

The truth: CABA was late to the party, uninvited to the strategy sessions, and ultimately a non-factor in the veto. But the BevBros can’t resist a good photo-op.

Let them have their LinkedIn moment. The real warriors? They were too busy fighting to post.

11. The Three-Tier Trap & The Liquor Lobby

Let’s talk about one of the sneakiest and most dangerous parts of SB3: the three-tier system.

What is it? In short, it’s the same system the alcohol industry uses—where manufacturers sell to distributors, distributors sell to retailers, and only licensed retailers can sell to customers. It’s old, bloated, and favors giant companies with massive networks.

Why did the beverage lobby want it for hemp drinks?

Because they knew small hemp brands wouldn’t survive the transition.

If you’re a mom-and-pop hemp soda brand making 100 cases a week, there’s zero chance a big liquor distributor picks you up. You’re not worth the shelf space. But if you’re a nationally backed THC seltzer outfit with slick investors and fancy branding, you can afford the distributor fees—and suddenly, your competition is gone.

“It was a total Trojan horse,” said Cynthia Cabrera. “They weren’t looking for safety—they were looking for market control.”

💥 The Impact of a Three-Tier Mandate

• 80% of hemp drink SKUs would vanish overnight

• Prices would increase by 30–50% due to distributor markups

• Cross-state shipping would become nearly impossible

• Small brands would be wiped out, even if fully compliant

SB3 would have handed the liquor lobby the keys to the entire hemp drink industry, transforming it from a grassroots success story to another arm of Big Booze.

Even Rep. Ken King, the original sponsor of the beverage-friendly version of the bill, backed off during the hearings.

“I see this is not going to work,” he admitted—once the public pressure became too loud to ignore.

Too little, too late, Ken. But thanks for confirming what we knew all along.

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12. BevBro Bingo – A Comedic Interlude

Let’s take a break from policy and play a game we call: BevBro Bingo.

Grab your pencil and see how many of these you can spot in the wild (especially on LinkedIn):

Bonus Round:

• 📸 Selfie with a lawmaker

• 💼 Picture of a branded fridge in a WeWork office

• 🧃 Can shot next to a MacBook with oat milk latte

If you hit five or more, congrats! You’ve encountered a true BevBro.

Please send them a link to this blog and suggest they read Section 3.

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13. Media Mythbusting: Correcting the Record

In the days following the SB3 veto, the media did what it often does with cannabis: they missed the story.

Headlines read:

• “Governor Abbott Vetoes Hemp Beverage Regulation Bill” – (Wrong. It was a hemp industry ban disguised as regulation.)

• “Industry Divided on THC Beverage Safety” – (Wrong again. The division wasn’t about safety—it was about survival.)

• “Beverage Makers Lead Advocacy Effort” – (Flat-out false.)

It wasn’t entirely the media’s fault. Beverage lobbyists fed them well-packaged talking points, complete with carefully worded statements about “consumer protection” and “market innovation.” But when you dig deeper—when you actually read the bill and watch the hearings—a different picture emerges.

“CABA showed up, said their Delta-9 was better, and ignored every other format. That’s not advocacy. That’s salesmanship.”
—Cynthia Cabrera

🔎 The Real Story:

• SB3 would have killed non-beverage products.

• HB 4242 was the only bill that protected all sectors.

• The veto was driven by grassroots activism, not beverage lobbying.

It’s time to rewrite the narrative. And that’s exactly what this blog is doing.

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14. Policy Playbook: HB 4242 vs. SB3

Let’s get into the weeds—literally.

While SB3 was a scalpel aimed at flower, edibles, tinctures, and non-drink formats, HB 4242 was designed to protect everyone.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

HB 4242 wasn’t perfect—but it was built with input from actual stakeholders, not just those holding cans and business cards.

And unlike SB3, it didn’t attempt to pick winners and losers. It aimed to regulate fairly, not erase competition.

“You don’t solve chaos by handing the keys to the liquor industry.”
—Steven Brown

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15. Special Session Scenarios: What Happens Next?

The veto stopped SB3—for now. But the battle isn’t over. Here’s what could happen in a special legislative session:

Scenario A: HB 4242 Gets Hearings

• The best-case scenario

• Gives THBC a platform to advocate for fair regulation

• Mobilizes the same grassroots power from earlier this year

Scenario B: The Beverage Guys Try Again

• Don’t be surprised if BevBros push a “new” version of SB3 with a different name

• Same three-tier trap, same false promises

Scenario C: Legislative Gridlock

• Nothing passes

• Status quo remains… until 2026

THBC’s Next Steps:

• They've already submitted a regulatory package to the Governor

• They’re working with his office directly to ensure reasonable, not reckless, rules

• Their focus is clear: safety and access

“If the Senate doesn’t play ball, we could end up with nothing. But at least we’re not losing everything.”
—Cynthia Cabrera

One thing is clear: the fight isn’t over—but now, the public knows who’s really fighting for them.

16. National Implications & The Domino Theory

Texas isn’t just another state—it’s a bellwether. What happens in Texas often sets the tone for legislative trends across the U.S., especially in the hemp and cannabis spaces.

Had SB3 passed, it would’ve signaled a green light for similar carve-out bills elsewhere. Already, whispers of “beverage-first regulation” were floating in:

• Minnesota, where regulations slipped into HF100 have already restricted vape and flower sales under hemp, while giving marijuana companies the keys to the castle.

• Florida, where “safety” has become the favorite word of lobbyists pushing to eliminate low-dose formats.

• Arkansas, where previous bills nearly banned Delta-8 until Hometown Hero helped bring a successful lawsuit to stop the precedent.

The veto in Texas changed the narrative. Suddenly, the story isn’t “THC beverages are the future.” It’s “Hemp isn’t going down without a fight.”

And what a message it sends.

“Even though Texas is a red state, this showed bipartisan support for freedom, small business, and responsible access. If we can win here, we can win anywhere.”
—Cynthia Cabrera

As other states eye regulatory overhauls, advocates everywhere are watching the Texas blueprint—and THBC’s playbook is already becoming a national model.

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17. Advocacy 101: Fear, Negotiation & The ‘Die Standing’ Doctrine

One of the sharpest insights from Cynthia Cabrera during her interview wasn’t about politics—it was about fear.

“So many people come into this industry already on their knees. They want to cut a deal before a deal is even necessary.”

This mindset—born from trauma, raids, and regulatory chaos—has made many hemp entrepreneurs easy to manipulate. Lawmakers say “give us a little” and they give a lot. They’re promised safety in exchange for compliance, but the goalposts always move.

Cynthia’s advice? Negotiate smart, not scared.

3 Rules of Negotiation in Hemp Advocacy:

1. Read the room: Don’t assume compromise equals victory.

2. Don’t concede early: Let them ask first—don’t offer your limbs.

3. Hold the line: Once you fold, they’ll never stop folding you.

“Negotiation is a skill. Too many people in our industry think it means panicking and calling it strategy.”

Steven Brown echoed this sentiment, recalling his early lobbying work in Minnesota. What started as a good-faith deal on low-dose THC turned into a one-sided regulation that left hemp companies out of vapes, flower, and meaningful market share—while marijuana retailers picked up the slack.

“We thought we were protecting consumers. Really, we were just giving away our future.”

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18. Economic Impact: Jobs, Taxes & Supply-Chain Realities

Let’s crunch the numbers.

Hemp is more than a wellness trend—it’s an economic force. In Texas alone, the hemp industry employs thousands, supports rural farming infrastructure, and contributes millions in sales tax.

What’s at Stake:

• $300+ million in annual hemp-derived product sales

• 6,000+ registered hemp businesses in Texas

• Thousands of full- and part-time jobs

• Revenue for testing labs, delivery services, packaging vendors, and retail storefronts

SB3 would’ve cratered that.

By favoring just one format (beverages), the bill would have wiped out most of the supply chain, leaving only a handful of vertically integrated players who could afford the transition.

“That’s not regulation—that’s a monopoly.”

In contrast, HB 4242 sought to regulate, not eradicate. With safety checks, batch testing, and labeling standards, it preserved industry integrity without blowing up the entire ecosystem.

The veto preserved livelihoods. Period.

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19. Cultural Shift: Hemp as Healthcare, Not Headache

If there’s one cultural truth the SB3 fight exposed, it’s this: the public doesn’t view hemp as a threat—they view it as therapy.

From CBD for anxiety to low-dose THC for sleep and pain, the average Texan uses hemp products not to “get high,” but to feel normal. It’s not about euphoria. It’s about function, balance, and quality of life.

And yet, the industry constantly finds itself under siege. Why?

• Stigma: Some lawmakers still think Delta-8 is “fake weed”

• Confusion: The media often lumps hemp into marijuana or synthetic debates

• Power dynamics: Large corporate interests want to replace mom-and-pop success stories with shareholder growth stories

What SB3 revealed is how far we still have to go in educating both the public and policymakers. But it also showed how powerful stories can reshape perception.

The 92-year-old woman who uses a gummy to sleep? She’s not a threat. She’s the new face of cannabis.

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20. Call to Action: Listen, Share, Support

This blog wasn’t written for clicks. It was written because the record matters.

Too many people will try to rewrite history. They’ll say the veto was inevitable. That the beverage lobby “fixed” the bill. That carve-outs were necessary. That the flower and tincture space is shady.

But now you know the truth.

You know who showed up in hearings.
You know who wrote letters.
You know who rallied veterans, seniors, and small shops.
You know who fought for everyone—not just themselves.

👉 Watch the full interview with Cynthia Cabrera on YouTube
👉 Share this blog with lawmakers, partners, and fellow business owners
👉 Support organizations like THBC and companies like Hometown Hero

And when the BevBros post their next “thought leadership” piece, send them a copy of this article.

We’re not here to play nice. We’re here to play fair.

21. Case Study – The Veteran’s Voice

Sergeant Troy M., a Purple Heart recipient from El Paso, wasn’t looking for a political fight. He just wanted to sleep through the night without night terrors.

After cycling through VA-prescribed medications, including opioids and benzos that left him numb and detached, a friend handed him a hemp-derived Delta-9 gummy. That night, he slept six hours straight for the first time in years.

Now he’s one of Texas’ loudest advocates for hemp access.

“That little gummy did more for me than two years of prescriptions. SB3 would’ve taken that away.”

Troy became a regular speaker at city council meetings, testified before committees, and helped collect over 1,000 signatures at VFW halls and gun shows. He wasn’t alone. Other vets across Texas rallied with THBC to protect the plant that helped them survive civilian life.

The irony? The same lawmakers who post “Support Our Troops” tweets were backing a bill that would’ve ripped hemp products from the hands of those same veterans.

Troy’s final letter to Governor Abbott read:

“If you sign SB3, you’re telling me I can fight for my country but not choose how I manage my pain. Please veto it.”

He wasn’t asking for a favor—he was demanding dignity.

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22. Legislative Lies & Testimonial Triumphs

Let’s rewind to two key hearings in Austin, both available on public record. One was a masterclass in deflection, the other in truth.

📉 Hearing 1: The Beverage Lobby Spins

CABA reps claimed:

• SB3 was “consumer-protective”

• That it didn’t affect edibles or flower (a lie)

• That their beverage formulations were “cleaner” and “safer” than other THC products

They also stated, unironically, that Delta-9 from a seltzer is somehow “less intoxicating” than the same Delta-9 in a gummy.

Lawmakers didn’t question it. But the public did.

📈 Hearing 2: Cynthia Cabrera Breaks It Down

Armed with HB 4242, data, and an iron will, Cynthia calmly explained:

• The three-tier system would destroy small brands

• SB3 protected no one but distributors and BevBros

• HB 4242 had been public for weeks and addressed real safety issues

When asked why so many beverage groups supported SB3, she replied:

“Because they wrote it to benefit themselves.”

Boom. No spin. No fluff. Just facts.

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23. Industry Unity – Myth or Movement?

If there’s one painful lesson from the SB3 fight, it’s this:

The hemp industry is not unified.

Some players are here for everyone. Others are here for themselves. And sometimes, that fracture is more dangerous than outside threats.

During the SB3 crisis:

• One association met with legislators to carve out only beverages

• Another drafted an amendment without informing their members

• Several major brands refused to support HB 4242 because they “didn’t want to get political”

This division made it easier for lawmakers to justify bad legislation. After all, if the industry can’t agree—why should they?

Cynthia described the dynamic perfectly:

“It felt like a gladiator movie. Everyone was bloodied, and some folks just kept swinging at their own team.”

Still, THBC managed to bring together thousands of people under a unified mission. That’s not just impressive—it’s nearly impossible in cannabis.

And they did it without selling out.

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24. Appendix – Testing Standards & Lab Access

Let’s talk testing—the thing everyone agrees matters, but no one seems to agree how to do.

HB 4242 proposed a clear framework:

• Batch-level testing

• ISO/IEC 17025 lab certification

• Random audits for spot-checks

• Clear labeling of cannabinoid content and serving size

Sounds reasonable, right?

But here’s the rub: starting January 2025, Minnesota requires all hemp product testing to be done in-state. There are only two accredited labs. Over 6,000 registered companies are now competing for limited capacity. Result? Chaos.

“You can’t test products if there’s nowhere to test them.”

THBC proposed a smarter model—certified labs regardless of geography, allowing for quality without bottlenecks.

They also flagged the reality that some marijuana operators were pushing for exclusive lab mandates to stifle hemp. Not because of safety. Because of market share.

Let’s be clear: testing is essential. But using it as a regulatory weapon is not.

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25. Closing Roast: The Ballad of the BevBro

Here it is—the poem that went viral at SXSW’s cannabis policy lounge.

The Ballad of the BevBro
(Spoken-word style)

He came with cans, with mango mist,
Promised reform with a fizzy twist.
He posed by lawmakers, took a selfie,
But dodged the vets and farmers—stealthy.

She said, “We saved it!” LinkedIn lit,
While Cynthia took another hit—
Of truth, of grit, of legal might,
That kept our hemp from legal night.

With bubbly lies and polos tight,
SHE skipped the fight, then claimed the fight.
SHE called his seltzer “compliant dope,”
And sold us all a can of hope.

But when the letters filled the halls,
And Abbott’s team took panic calls,
The BevBro’s phone went strangely dead—
While veterans wrote, and seniors pled.

So raise a toast—not to the fizz—
But to the people who did the biz.
To Hometown Hero, boots on ground,
And all the hands that stood their ground.

Mic drop.

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Final Word: Truth Outshines Trends

History is written by the loud, but remembered by the brave.

The veto of SB3 wasn’t just a legislative win—it was a spiritual one. It reminded an industry that unity matters. That grassroots work beats moneyed influence. That veterans, seniors, and small business owners are not just photo ops—they’re the backbone of this movement.

To every BevBro who clapped themselves on the back: thank you. You inspired this blog.

To Cynthia Cabrera and Hometown Hero: thank you for actually doing the work.

To the public: remember who showed up, and who just showed off.

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🎥 Watch the uncut interview with Cynthia Cabrera

▶️ Click here to view on YouTube

📢 Share this blog

Tag your reps. Tag your friends. Tag a BevBro (kindly, of course).

💚 Support the real heroes

Follow and donate to the Texas Hemp Business Council. Buy from brands that fight for everyone. Speak up, vote smart, and never settle for fizzy nonsense over real advocacy.

WeAreTheIndustry
#THBCWins
#BeverageLobbyWho

 

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

The content of this blog is for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions, perspectives, and interpretations of the author(s). It is not intended to provide legal, medical, or regulatory advice.

Statements about legislation, advocacy efforts, or industry groups are based on publicly available information and personal interviews, and do not necessarily reflect the views of any entity referenced or discussed. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals when making business or legal decisions.

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