Growing up in Texas, I have always believed our state has the ability to lead the nation through innovation, opportunity, and responsible decision-making. As an 18-year-old Texan, I am concerned about the choices being made today and how those choices will affect my generation and the future of our communities.

One issue that deserves serious attention is Texas’ current approach to cannabis. Since the 1980s, cannabis policy across the United States has changed dramatically. What was once treated almost exclusively through criminal enforcement has increasingly shifted toward systems focused on regulation, medical research, consumer safety, and accountability. Today, a growing number of states have chosen to legalize and regulate cannabis for adults while creating strict rules around age limits, testing, licensing, and distribution.

The question Texas must answer is not whether cannabis exists — it already does. The question is whether Texas should continue allowing an unregulated market to operate or create a controlled system that protects consumers, holds businesses accountable, and allows the state to benefit from the economic opportunities created by regulation.

States that have legalized and regulated cannabis have demonstrated the potential economic impact of a legal market. Colorado, one of the first states to establish a regulated adult-use cannabis market, has collected more than $3 billion in cannabis tax and fee revenue since retail sales began in 2014. These funds have supported public programs, including education and community investments. A regulated Texas market could create new jobs, support entrepreneurs, and allow revenue generated by Texas consumers to stay within Texas communities.

Regulation would also allow Texas to establish stronger protections than the current illegal market provides. A legal framework could require strict age verification, mandatory laboratory testing, accurate labeling, responsible business licensing, and penalties for companies that violate safety standards. Legalization and regulation are not about encouraging irresponsible use — they are about creating oversight where oversight currently does not exist.

Medical access is another important part of this conversation. Patients and doctors should have the ability to discuss cannabis-based treatments based on scientific evidence and individual medical needs. Research has shown that cannabinoids have potential medical applications, and the medical community continues studying their effectiveness for different conditions. Veterans and patients suffering from serious conditions deserve access to every legitimate treatment option available while being guided by healthcare professionals.

This conversation is especially important for veterans. Many veterans experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other challenges after serving our country. Research examining veterans with PTSD symptoms has shown that cannabis use is common among some veterans, highlighting the need for better research, medical guidance, and responsible conversations rather than leaving patients to navigate these decisions without proper oversight.

Mental health deserves a careful and honest approach. While more research is still needed before making broad claims that cannabis treats anxiety or depression, many patients report using cannabis to manage symptoms such as stress, sleep problems, and emotional distress. Instead of limiting doctors and researchers, Texas should support responsible medical research so patients can receive evidence-based guidance rather than relying on misinformation or illegal markets.

Another important issue is fairness within our criminal justice system. Thousands of Texans have faced arrests, fines, and long-term consequences because of cannabis-related offenses that are treated differently across state lines. These consequences can affect employment opportunities, housing, education, and a person’s ability to move forward in life. Texas should consider whether spending law enforcement resources on nonviolent cannabis offenses is the best use of taxpayer dollars when those resources could be focused on violent crimes and protecting communities.

Cannabis policy has also become connected to competition within major industries. Some parts of the alcohol industry have expressed concerns about cannabis legalization because changing consumer preferences could affect alcohol sales. In Texas, debates over THC and cannabis-related regulations have included disagreements among alcohol businesses, with some groups supporting restrictions while others explore opportunities in cannabis-related products. This shows that economic interests are part of the larger policy discussion and should not outweigh the need for evidence-based decisions that benefit Texas residents.

This petition is not asking Texas to ignore responsibility or safety. It is asking Texas leaders to create a modern, regulated system based on research, accountability, and the interests of its citizens.

Texas has always valued independence, innovation, and opportunity. It is time for Texas to have a serious conversation about responsible cannabis reform and create policies that protect communities, support patients, strengthen the economy, and prepare our state for the future.