Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
(The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.)
What does the future of hemp look like in Texas?
The Soil Sisters Podcast welcomes Aaron Owens, founder and CEO of Tejas Tonic back to the show, for a timely conversation about hemp, regenerative agriculture, and the evolving legal landscape shaping the industry.
Recorded live at Thorn & Bred in Lockhart, Texas, this episode features a Q&A with the local community, bringing real questions and perspectives into an important conversation about the future of Texas agriculture.
Aaron Owens is the founder and CEO of Tejas Tonic, a Texas-based hemp business rooted in local production and a commitment to sustainable agriculture. Aaron is also a long-time cattle and goat rancher from West Texas and a sponsor and supporter of the Soil Sisters podcast.
Stay up to date on hemp happenings by following @drinktejastonic on Instagram.
Aaron shares his journey as a rancher, hemp advocate, and entrepreneur, exploring how hemp legalization in 2019 opened new opportunities for Texas farmers and businesses and how the booming hemp industry now hangs in the balance.
⚖️ The December 11, 2026 deadline
Aaron discusses the regulatory changes that could significantly affect the future of hemp and hemp-derived products. With the industry facing uncertainty at both the federal and state levels, the conversation explores what these changes could mean for Texas farmers, small businesses, and consumers.
📣 Why community voices matter: Learn why staying informed, engaging with policymakers, and contacting state and federal representatives are important ways for community members to participate in discussions about the future of the hemp industry.
The conversation goes beyond hemp-derived products to explore hemp's broader potential in textiles, sustainable construction, and soil remediation. Aaron also shares how Tejas Tonic approaches local production, farm-to-product practices, and sustainability.
In this episode, we discuss:
The history of hemp legalization in Texas and what it has meant for local agriculture
The changing state and federal regulatory landscape surrounding hemp
How farmers, business owners, and community members can stay informed and participate in policy discussions
Tejas Tonic's approach to local hemp production and sustainable practices
Hemp's potential applications in textiles, construction, and environmental restoration
The role of regenerative agriculture in building a more sustainable future
Questions and insights from our live community Q&A in Lockhart, Texas
With December 11, 2026 approaching, this conversation offers timely insight into the challenges facing the hemp industry and the role communities can play in shaping its future. Whether you're a farmer, an entrepreneur, curious about hemp, or passionate about regenerative agriculture, this episode offers an inside look at the opportunities, uncertainties, and possibilities shaping the future of hemp in Texas.
Tune in, learn from the conversation, and join the Soil Sisters community as we explore the future of agriculture together.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE:
💚 Our Sponsors walk the walk & talk the talk. 💚
✨ @drinktejastonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨
When you buy Tejas Tonic you’re supporting a Texas farm that's vertically integrated into Texas-made products. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS at checkout 💰
⚡️ @b_pelectric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️
Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. Tell ‘em the Soil Sisters sent you. 😎
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Time Stamps & Links
00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters
00:21 Meet Aaron Owens
01:23 Hemp Legalization Timeline
01:49 Federal Ban Deadline Looming
03:13 Regulation Framework Explained
04:58 Farm Bill and CR Loophole
06:41 State vs Federal Law
08:18 How to Take Action
09:02 Texas Politics and Industry Stakes
12:00 Advice for Retailers
16:39 Synthetics vs Natural THC
18:54 CBD Glut and China Supply Chain
21:22 Tejas Tonic Field to Beverage
23:33 Audience Q&A and Enforcement Reality
26:26 Hemp Plant Uses and Regenerative Farming
28:15 Industrial vs Consumable Hemp Future
31:36 Acres to Impact
32:13 Hemp Future Industries
32:39 Farmer Profit Problem
33:31 Texas Advocacy Groups
35:31 Taxes and Lobby Power
38:37 Synthetics Versus Natural
43:46 Spotting Isolates Via COAs
44:55 Enforcement and Felonies
49:51 Hemp Beyond Beverages
52:21 Staying Informed
55:33 Soil and Field Practices
56:01 Calls to Action - Make Your Voice Heard Here