Texas veterans vow to protect the state’s hemp market as one state lawmaker hopes to crack down

Dave Walden, wearing a Veterans of Foreign Wars cap, demonstrates how the CBD vending machine works by purchasing a product in Leander on Nov. 1. (Credit: Azul Sordo/The Texas Tribune)

LEANDER — Texas veterans are working to protect the state’s hemp market — and push to expand the state’s medical marijuana program — at the state Capitol during this year’s legislative session.

The veterans and their supporters say they need access to the hemp product known as delta-8 to treat issues such as chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Delta-8 is widely available throughout Texas and, like marijuana, can create a feeling of euphoria.