Politician Behind Texas THC Ban Received $350,000 From Alcohol Industry in 2024

Key Takeaways:

• Texas lawmakers passed a bill banning THC products like Delta-8.

• Governor Dan Patrick received substantial campaign contributions from companies in the alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries.

• Lobbying influence appears to have played a key role in the crackdown.

• Harm reduction and access to safer alternatives are being ignored in favor of commercial interests.

In a controversial move, Texas lawmakers have pushed for a ban on THC products such as Delta-8 and Delta-10—forms of cannabis that had previously operated in a legal grey area. This decision has raised eyebrows among advocates and consumers, especially in light of Texas Governor Dan Patrick’s financial connections to powerful lobbying groups. For more information, read our detailed article about the new bill.

Lobbying and Money Trails

A review of campaign finance data reveals that Dan Patrick has accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from industries that stand to benefit from reduced competition with cannabis products. For instance:

Alcohol Industry:

• In 2024, Silver Eagle Beverages, a distributor for Anheuser-Busch and one of the largest beer distributors in the U.S. contributed $250,000 to Dan Patrick’s campaign.

• John Nau, the CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages, made an additional $100,000 donation.

• This brings the confirmed total from Silver Eagle-related entities to $350,000.

• The Beer Alliance of Texas PAC, which represents the interests of the alcohol industry, contributed $50,000.

Tobacco Lobby:

• Major tobacco companies have also funneled donations into Patrick’s political war chest, although exact figures are less transparent.

Big Pharma:

• Pharmaceutical companies known for manufacturing pain medications have historically opposed cannabis legalization and contributed to Texas lawmakers. Specific 2024 figures are not yet fully detailed, but they reflect longstanding support.

Total Campaign Contributions:

• In 2024 alone, Dan Patrick raised over $6.2 million from various donors.

These financial ties coincide with Patrick’s strong advocacy for Senate Bill 3, which aims to ban consumable hemp-derived THC products in Texas.

Why These Sectors Care

• Alcohol companies fear competition from cannabis as a recreational alternative.

• Tobacco companies are concerned about losing market share and potential regulatory comparisons.

• Pharmaceutical firms oppose cannabis because it threatens sales of painkillers, anti-anxiety, and sleep medications.

Public Backlash and Harm Reduction Argument

Critics argue that the ban ignores public health and harm reduction data. THC products, when regulated, offer a safer alternative to alcohol and prescription drugs. Banning them pushes users toward illicit markets, increasing risk and reducing consumer protections.

Conclusion

The Texas THC ban isn’t just about public safety—it’s also about profit protection. With lobbying dollars flowing from alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical giants, the motivations behind the crackdown become clearer. As advocates continue to push for reform, transparency around political funding is more important than ever.

Sources:

• Texas Ethics Commission campaign finance reports

• OpenSecrets.org industry contribution breakdowns

• Public statements from NORML and cannabis advocacy groups

• Analysis of SB 264 and related THC legislation in Texas

• https://austincountynewsonline.com/campaign-contributions-raise-questions-about-dan-patricks-push-to-ban-thc-products/