Policy Leaders, Scientists, Journalists, and Regulators Examine the Future of Medical Cannabis and Hemp to a Sold-Out Conference in Texas

At a pivotal moment for cannabis policy in Texas, the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference will make a curated slate of its most consequential policy discussions available to the public via live stream on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Designed as a serious, nonpartisan policy forum, the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference brings together lawmakers, regulators, scientists, attorneys, journalists, and public safety experts to examine the rapid evolution of medical cannabis and hemp regulation in Texas. The live stream provides statewide and national access to conversations shaping public health, enforcement priorities, patient access, and market oversight.

“Cannabis policy is changing quickly, and Texas is at an inflection point,” said Heather Fazio, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center and primary organizer of the conference. “This conference creates space for lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders to engage seriously with the policy decisions that will shape public health, enforcement, and the future of a safe and legal cannabis marketplace in Texas.”

Recent federal actions have reshaped the national cannabis landscape while introducing new uncertainty for the federally legal hemp industry. At the same time, Texas continues expanding its medical cannabis program and advancing complex regulatory reforms. Live-streamed sessions will explore how federal policy intersects with state law, including Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) rulemaking, enforcement challenges, public safety considerations, and ongoing legal disputes.

While proposed regulations aim to strengthen oversight, recalls, and enforcement, stakeholders continue to raise concerns about licensing costs, product restrictions, access, and the risk of driving consumers toward the illicit market. These tensions alongside questions of patient care, scientific standards, and regulatory parity will be addressed throughout the live-streamed programming.

Livestream access is available to the general public. Registration is now open at TexasCannabisConference.org/LiveStream.

Live-Streamed Sessions

Friday, January 30

• 9:30–10:45am: Welcome and Roadmap for the Rapidly Shifting Cannabis Regulatory & Political Landscape; Advocacy: Legislative, Regulatory, and Electoral: A discussion on how advocacy, coalition-building, and civic engagement influence cannabis policy in Texas, with a focus on legislative strategy and upcoming elections and policymaking pathways. Speakers: Mitch Fuller; Courtney Holmes, RN, IFNCP; Elizabeth D. Miller; Moderator: Heather Fazio

• 11:30am–12:30pm: Safety and Risk: Synthetic, Converted, and Natural Cannabinoids: An examination of the scientific distinctions between naturally occurring, converted, and synthetic cannabinoids, including safety data, regulatory considerations, and when — and why — these distinctions matter for consumers and policymakers. Speakers: Andrea Baillo, PhD; Nick Mortillaro; Lisa Pittman; Moderator: Nishi Whiteley

• 12:30–2:15pm: Keynote Conversation with Rep. Drew Darby (R) and Sen. Nathan Johnson (D): A bipartisan conversation examining the 2025 legislative session, the evolution of SB 3, the governor’s veto, subsequent rulemaking, and what may be possible for cannabis policy in Texas heading into 2027. Speakers: State Representative Drew Darby (R); State Senator Nathan Johnson (D); Moderator: Heather Fazio

• 2:30–3:15pm: Cannabis and Public Safety: A discussion of public safety considerations related to cannabis policy, including enforcement priorities, impaired driving data, youth access, consumer education, and balanced regulatory approaches that protect communities. Speakers: Peter Stout, PhD; W. Clay Abbott; Nishi Whiteley; Moderator: Scott Seder

• 3:30–4:30pm: Hemp Regulations, Restrictions, and Enforcement (CLE): An in-depth look at Texas’ hemp regulatory framework, enforcement authority, product testing, online sales, and how thoughtful regulation can protect consumers while supporting legitimate businesses. Speakers: Chelsie Spencer; Andrea Steel, Esq.; Susan Hays, Esq.

Saturday, January 31

• 10:00–11:00am: Local Officials on the Cost of Enforcing Prohibition: A conversation with local leaders on the financial, legal, and operational costs of enforcing cannabis prohibition, including testing challenges, constituent priorities, and state litigation related to decriminalization efforts. Speakers: Sarah Stogner; Councilman Adam Bazaldua; Mike Siegel; Moderator: Katharine Harris, PhD

• 11:15am–12:15pm: TCUP Overview and Opportunities for Improvement (CLE): An assessment of the Texas Compassionate Use Program’s continued growth, focusing on patient access, affordability, oversight, and policy improvements needed to deliver safe and effective medicine statewide. Speakers: Jervonne Singletary; Shawn Hauser; Rice McKenzie, MD; Moderator: Heather Fazio

• 12:30–1:45pm: Reporting on Cannabis in Texas (CLE), Keynote Conversation: A roundtable discussion with leading Texas journalists on how cannabis policy is covered, editorial standards, and the media’s role in informing the public and policymakers on a complex and evolving issue. Participants: Isaac Yu (Houston Chronicle); Harvey Kronberg (Quorum Report); Stephen Simpson (Texas Tribune); Karen Brooks Harper (Dallas Morning News); Moderator: Susan Hays, Esq.

• 2:00–2:45pm: Federal Policy: Legislative and Administrative Outlook (CLE): A forward-looking discussion on federal cannabis policy developments and the implications for Texas stakeholders navigating regulatory uncertainty, compliance challenges, and market volatility. Speakers: Eddie Velez; Liz Grow; Dan Molina; Moderator: Holly McCord

• 3:00–4:00pm: The Future of Cannabis in Texas: Coexisting Sectors Providing Safe and Legal Access for Consumers (CLE): A closing discussion on how medical marijuana and hemp can coexist within a coherent regulatory system, addressing scientific realities, regulatory parity, and the importance of trust, accountability, and sustained engagement. Speakers: Heather Fazio; Chelsie Spencer; Susan Hays, Esq.; John Harloe, JD, PhD

Livestream Access (General Public) available at TexasCannabisConference.org/LiveStream.

For media credentials or more information, contact Shawna Seldon, McGregor, 917-971-7852 (call/text) or [email protected].