Texas Lt. Governor Patrick Visits Hemp Dispensary in Austin

News Summary

During his recent visit to The Happy Cactus Apothecary in Austin, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick discussed the safety of THC products amid ongoing legislative efforts to ban them. Patrick engaged with pharmacy staff about underage access and the implications of proposed SB3 legislation on the hemp industry. This visit has raised significant concerns regarding child customers and the future of dispensaries if stricter regulations are enacted, highlighting the need for responsible sales practices within the market.

Austin – Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s recent visit to a hemp dispensary in Austin has sparked discussions surrounding the current status of THC products in the state. On March 18, 2025, Patrick visited The Happy Cactus Apothecary and engaged with store employees and owners on matters relating to their operations and THC safety concerns.

What Happened

During his visit, Lt. Governor Patrick expressed curiosity regarding the prevalence of child customers at the dispensary. In a surprising interaction, staff members at The Happy Cactus requested to see Patrick’s identification despite his assertion of identity. This incident has since been reported by one of the dispensary’s owners, Todd Harris.

Legislative Context

The controversy surrounding the visit ties back to SB3, legislation that Patrick is advocating for, aimed at banning all THC products in Texas. The Lt. Governor has articulated that this move is driven by safety apprehensions and a noticeable lack of regulation in the hemp market. If enacted, SB3 could lead to significant repercussions for the hemp industry across the state.

Who Is Affected

The potential impact of SB3 is extensive and could adversely affect dispensary owners like Todd Harris, who warned that the legislation would jeopardize their businesses and livelihoods. The dispensary emphasizes educational initiatives and claims adherence to responsible sales practices aimed at preventing underage access to THC products.

Concerns About Youth Access

Patrick’s visit has brought to light elevated concerns regarding children accessing THC products. While he highlighted these issues during his time at The Happy Cactus, store representatives assured him that existing protocols were in place to mitigate underage sales. However, the dispensary’s proximity to educational institutions, such as its location across from Crockett Early College High School, has fueled further discussions on responsible advertising and access to their products.

Community Engagement

As part of his outreach, Patrick is visiting various locations in Austin to engage with members of the hemp industry. His visit to The Happy Cactus aims to shed light on responsible business practices, and the store’s attorney, David Sergi, noted the importance of these interactions for promoting accountability within the industry. On the same day as the visit, Sergi communicated with local schools, declining participation in advertising for the school baseball team as a gesture of commitment to ethical practices.

Official Responses

Patrick’s acknowledgment of “bad actors” within the hemp sector underscores the need for regulation. He discussed this sentiment with Harris during their engagement, indicating an understanding of the complexities faced by reputable businesses. However, attempts by media representatives to contact Patrick’s office for further comments on the matter were unsuccessful, highlighting a potential gap in communication regarding his initiatives.

What’s Next

Moving forward, the discussions stemming from Patrick’s visit are poised to influence ongoing legislative deliberations and community perspectives on hemp products in Texas. With the introduction of SB3, stakeholders within the hemp space, including dispensaries, consumers, and policymakers, will need to adapt to potential regulatory changes that could reshape the industry’s landscape in the state. As the legislative process unfolds, the focus will remain on balancing safety, business interests, and community health.

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Additional Resources

• Eater Austin
• Wikipedia: New York Strip Steak
• Houston Chronicle
• Google Search: Dan Patrick THC
• CBS News Texas
• Google Scholar: Dan Patrick steak renaming
• WFAA
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Steak renaming
• Forbes
• Google News: Texas rename steak