A federal lawsuit filed in June 2025 is challenging a proposed Texas law aimed at banning hemp-derived THC products, drawing significant attention with the involvement of former NFL star Ricky Williams. The legal action contends that the state’s proposed prohibition directly contradicts federal law, specifically the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derived cannabinoids nationwide.
The lawsuit, which includes the Cannabis Freedom Alliance among its proponents, argues that the proposed Texas legislation attempts to reclassify many hemp-based THC items, such as Delta-8, as Schedule I substances under state law. This move, the plaintiffs assert, flies in the face of the federal framework established by the 2018 Farm Bill and undermines the rights of businesses and consumers alike.
Ricky Williams, a prominent advocate for the therapeutic use of cannabis, has publicly stated that natural recovery through cannabis use allowed him to extend his athletic career. His decision to join the federal lawsuit adds a recognizable voice to the challenge against the Texas ban, highlighting the personal and professional stakes involved for individuals who rely on or work within the hemp industry.
Challenge to Federal Supremacy
At the heart of the legal challenge is the principle of federal supremacy. The lawsuit posits that by attempting to ban hemp-derived cannabinoids legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill, Texas is overstepping its authority and infringing upon a market explicitly permitted by federal statute. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight) from the list of controlled substances, thereby legalizing its cultivation and the sale of its non-intoxicating and, crucially for this case, intoxicating derived cannabinoids, provided they originate from federally legal hemp.
The legal complaint explicitly states, “Texas is attempting to outlaw these items against the will of hundreds of thousands of voters.” While the original summary does not provide specifics on a direct voter mandate on this precise issue, this quote suggests a broader sentiment or perhaps relates to prior cannabis-related referendums or general public opinion polls concerning cannabis and hemp products in Texas.
Economic and Social Stakes
Proponents of the lawsuit, including Williams and the Cannabis Freedom Alliance, warn of devastating economic consequences should the proposed Texas bill become law. They argue that the ban would risk billions in revenue for the state’s burgeoning cannabis economy and jeopardize the livelihoods of hundreds of small businesses that have emerged since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and the subsequent growth of the hemp-derived cannabinoid market.
The industry in Texas includes cultivators, processors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers dealing in a range of products from CBD oils to Delta-8 and other hemp-derived THC compounds. A state-level ban that clashes with federal law could create significant legal uncertainty and economic disruption, potentially leading to widespread business closures and job losses.
Furthermore, the lawsuit implicitly touches upon the ‘rights of millions’ mentioned in early reports. This likely refers to the rights of Texas consumers who have been legally purchasing and using these products under the understanding that they are compliant with federal law, as well as the rights of businesses to operate in a federally sanctioned market.
Williams’ Advocacy
Ricky Williams’ participation is particularly significant given his history with the NFL and his outspoken advocacy for cannabis as a tool for wellness and recovery. His personal story, where he credits cannabis with extending his playing career by aiding in pain management and recovery, provides a powerful narrative counterpoint to the push for prohibition.
His public stance challenges traditional perceptions of cannabis use, particularly in the context of professional athletics and recovery. By lending his name and voice to the lawsuit, Williams helps elevate the issue beyond a niche legal debate into a broader discussion about personal liberty, economic opportunity, and the evolving understanding of cannabis.
Looking Ahead
The federal lawsuit initiates a potentially lengthy legal battle that could have significant implications not only for Texas but for other states grappling with how to regulate the market for hemp-derived cannabinoids following the 2018 Farm Bill. The outcome will likely hinge on the courts’ interpretation of the interplay between federal hemp legalization and a state’s power to regulate substances within its borders, particularly when the state classification conflicts with the federal one.
As the case proceeds in federal court, the hemp industry, consumers, and policymakers across the country will be watching closely to see how this challenge to Texas’s proposed ban unfolds and what precedent it might set for the future of hemp-derived THC products in the United States.
