Dear Texas Lawmakers,
Texas has always been a state that understands scale, resilience, and opportunity. At pivotal moments, it has led—not by abandoning its strengths, but by expanding them. Industrial hemp offers such a moment.
Hemp is not a fringe idea or a symbolic gesture toward sustainability. It is a practical, economically viable crop that aligns with Texas land, Texas climate, and Texas industry. It does not compete with our existing strengths—it complements and evolves them.
From the ground up, hemp restores what intensive agriculture often depletes. Its deep root systems break apart compacted soil, stabilize erosion, and draw up nutrients from below the surface. Within weeks of planting, it forms a dense canopy that protects topsoil from harsh sun and wind, reduces water loss, and naturally suppresses weeds without the need for herbicides. As it grows, it deposits organic matter back into the earth, improving soil fertility for future crops. It can even remove heavy metals and pollutants through phytoremediation, making it uniquely suited for land reclamation.
For Texas farmers, hemp represents diversification in an increasingly unpredictable agricultural economy. It is a fast-growing crop, reaching maturity in four to five months, with multiple revenue streams from a single harvest: fiber, seed, oil, biomaterials, and more. Unlike many traditional crops, it requires minimal chemical inputs, reducing costs while preserving soil health. Its efficiency extends to water use as well—requiring up to 75% less water than cotton—making it particularly relevant in drought-prone regions of our state.
The economic potential extends far beyond the field. Hemp is already being used globally in textiles, biodegradable plastics, sustainable packaging, construction materials, and personal care products. Every part of the plant can be utilized, creating a true zero-waste system. This opens the door for new processing facilities, manufacturing jobs, and rural economic revitalization across Texas.
At the environmental level, hemp offers measurable and immediate impact. It is one of the most effective carbon-capturing crops available. Each tonne of harvested hemp can absorb approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO₂, translating to 9 to 13 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare. Its rapid growth and high cellulose content make it an efficient, scalable tool for carbon storage. When used as a replacement for carbon-intensive raw materials—such as concrete, plastics, and timber—hemp extends that carbon benefit even further by reducing emissions at the industrial level.
In construction, hemp-based materials like hempcrete provide insulation, regulate humidity, and reduce energy demands for cooling—an important consideration in Texas heat. Unlike traditional concrete, which is a major contributor to carbon emissions, hempcrete continues to absorb carbon over time. Similarly, hemp-based bioplastics and packaging offer biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based products, reducing long-term environmental impact while maintaining industrial utility.
Importantly, hemp does not seek to replace Texas’s energy legacy. Rather, it offers a parallel pathway—one that supports innovation, strengthens agricultural resilience, and opens new markets without dismantling existing ones. It allows Texas to remain an energy leader while also becoming a leader in sustainable materials and regenerative agriculture.
There is also a quieter, but equally important benefit: biodiversity. Hemp produces abundant pollen during periods when other crops do not, supporting bees and pollinators critical to our food systems. Its seeds provide nourishment for wildlife, reinforcing ecological balance in agricultural regions.
Texas has always thrived by recognizing opportunity early and acting decisively. Industrial hemp represents a convergence of agriculture, industry, and environmental stewardship. It strengthens land, supports farmers, creates jobs, and positions Texas at the forefront of emerging global markets.
This is not simply about adopting a new crop. It is about investing in a system that gives back—to the soil, to the economy, and to the people of Texas.
I urge you to support policies that expand and strengthen the industrial hemp sector in our state, from cultivation to processing and market development. With the right framework, hemp can become a cornerstone of a more resilient and prosperous Texas.
Respectfully,
Desiree S.
