SB 3 is on the Texas Senate Intent Calendar for tomorrow, meaning it is eligible for debate and a vote, but that doesn’t guarantee it will be taken up. The Senate convenes at 11 a.m., and the agenda is expected to be full, with multiple bills prioritized for consideration.
Notably, SB 3 is one of at least five bills flagged as high-priority by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and could be brought to the floor at his discretion. Because the Lieutenant Governor controls floor recognition, if he decides tomorrow is the day to push forward new regulations on THC, the Senate will take it up accordingly.
That said, I fully expect it to pass through the Senate like shit through a goose—a foregone conclusion given the current political landscape. As we have always known, the real battle lies in the House, where the dynamics are far less predictable, and the outcome may ultimately be decided.
For clarity, since some have asked, this “emergency” designation is political, not constitutional. Some have asked whether this means SB 3 is one of the Governor’s emergency items, which are the only bills that can be voted on in the first 60 days of the 140-day session. It is not—Gov. Abbott did not designate SB 3 as an emergency under the Texas Constitution. Instead, its placement on the Intent Calendar simply means it is eligible for immediate action if Senate leadership chooses to move it forward.
Cheech & Chong: Icons of Stoner Culture. Spotlighted in Blazed Magazine’s May/June 2025 Issue
The May/June 2025 edition of Blazed Magazine pays homage to the legendary comedic duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, featuring cover art inspired by their latest cinematic venture, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie. This tribute underscores their enduring influence on both mainstream and cannabis cultures spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Cheech & Chong became synonymous with countercultural humor, delivering iconic performances in films like Up in Smoke, Nice Dreams, and Still Smokin’. Their unique blend of satire and advocacy played a pivotal role in bringing cannabis culture into the public discourse.
Fast forward to today, the duo continues to innovate within the cannabis industry. Their latest product lines, High & Dry THC-infused seltzers and High Tea THC-infused iced teas, are now available at Total Wine locations across Texas. Flavors such as Magic Mule, Raspberry Highball, and Cheech’s Peaches offer consumers a modern, alcohol-free way to enjoy cannabis-infused beverages.
To celebrate these launches, Cheech & Chong are hosting an exclusive meet-and-greet event:
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 2:20 PM – 4:20 PM
Location: Total Wine & More, 9350 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75231
Fans can secure a spot by purchasing any Cheech & Chong beverage (High & Dry or High Tea) at any Total Wine location in Texas prior to the event and presenting the receipt or a clear photo of it. The first 250 attendees will receive a limited-edition signed poster and a photo opportunity with the duo.
Cheech & Chong’s continued contributions to entertainment and cannabis culture exemplify their lasting legacy and commitment to innovation.
Each can be heard on previous podcast of the Texas Hemp Show Podcast.
The 2025 Texas THC Challenge: A New Era for Blazed Magazine
This year marks not only another round of the Texas THC Challenge, but also the beginning of a new chapter for us as Blazed Magazine. Formerly known as the Texas Hemp Reporter, our publication has evolved alongside the hemp and cannabis industry we’ve been covering for years. In 2025, the rebrand reflects our broader mission: to highlight not just hemp, but the full spectrum of cannabis culture, advocacy, and innovation.
The THC Challenge began as a grassroots way to spotlight Texas’ hemp entrepreneurs, product makers, and activists in the face of restrictive policies. Back when we ran as the Texas Hemp Reporter, the contest helped elevate small businesses who were pioneering CBD, hemp flower, and infused product lines across the Lone Star State. Over the years, it became more than a competition—it became a community showcase of resilience and creativity.
The 2025 Edition
This year’s Challenge arrives during a tense legislative climate. With Texas lawmakers again targeting hemp-derived THC products, participants are not only competing for recognition but also standing as symbols of resistance against an industry under siege. From delta-9 gummies to innovative hemp drinks and topicals, the 2025 lineup represents the best of what Texas cannabis entrepreneurs can still create under federal legality—even as state leaders push bans and restrictions.
From Texas Hemp Reporter to Blazed Magazine
The rebrand to Blazed Magazine represents a bold new direction. We’ve grown from reporting on hemp regulations to becoming a full cultural platform, amplifying stories that matter to cannabis advocates, small businesses, and consumers nationwide. The THC Challenge is a perfect reflection of that growth: it’s not just about products anymore, but about identity, politics, and the fight for fairness in the marketplace.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Challenge unfolds, we celebrate the innovators who continue to push boundaries and remind lawmakers that this $8 billion industry isn’t going away. Just as Blazed Magazine has expanded beyond its origins, the THC Challenge stands as a reminder that cannabis culture in Texas is here to stay—resilient, resourceful, and blazing a trail for the future.
The Rise of THC Beverages: A Booming Market • National Landscape: Brewing Momentum
Rapid Growth, Small But Mighty
In Q1 of 2025, cannabis-infused beverages
accounted for $54.6 million in U.S. sales—
representing roughly 0.9% of all cannabis sales—but that figure reflects a 15% year-over-year jump from Q1 2024. Within the edibles segment, beverages captured 6% of sales, making them the fourth-largest category behind candy, chocolates, and pills.
Projection and Reach
Forecasts are soaring: Euromonitor estimates that hemp-derived THC drink sales in the U.S. will surpass $1 billion in 2025, with the market potentially expanding to $4 billion by 2028. Brightfield Group reported sales of $382 million in 2024, with expectations to grow to $750 million by 2029. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis beverages sector as a whole could total over $2 billion by 2026.
Texas: Facing Reckoning Amid Rising Demand Economic Stakes Are High
Texas’ hemp industry is a formidable economic engine with $5.5 billion in annual revenue in 2025 $268 million in state tax revenue
53,300 jobs, with $2.1 billion in wages across retail and wholesale sectors
according to AP News, Cannabis Business Times
& Axios.
A full ban on hemp-derived THC, as proposed in Senate Bill 3, SB5 and the newley filed SB6 threatens to wipe out $7.5 billion in output and eliminate over 40,000 jobs in the lone star state.
Thankfully, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott wants lawmakers to have a sensible regullatory framework in place for the Hemp Industry here.
How to Submit for the Texas THC Challenge
BEVERAGE EDITION –
As the Texas THC Challenge evolves under the Blazed Magazine banner, we remain committed to showcasing excellence in hemp‑derived THC products. Whether you’re a seasoned edibles innovator or a newcomer crafting micro-dose beverages, these are the official rules and guidelines to enter the 2025 Challenge:
Place a Display Ad for your Brand – Sinlge Full Page • 3 Drinks or Less $1000
Double Truck Ad for • Submitting more than 4 Drink flavors – $2000 (2 pages)
Categories: Sweet / Non Sweet / & Drink Additive –
