There aren’t too many people who can recall the earliest days of hemp in the great state of Texas. But we got to sit down with one of the OGs and growers of the plant, farmer and founder of Tejas Tonic, Aaron Owens!

Aaron Owens, farmer and founder of Tejas Tonic

He drove all the way in from the Hill Country to meet us in our studio, ready to share all of the knowledge on cannabis science and history that 2 hours of podcast time would allow.

Aaron was also able to update us on some pretty important legal battles the hemp industry is facing here in Texas, some good bills and some bad. Keep reading for the highlights from No Bad Buds episode 4!

What we learned in this episode

First things first, Shalay and Mandy needed the updates on Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 1113, both making their way through separate journeys in the Texas Legislature in 2025. Aaron, a founding member of Texas Hemp Coalition (we forgot to mention that earlier), had been to the Texas State Capitol earlier in the week to advocate for common sense regulations in the industry, and argue against signing into law SB 3, which would ban all hemp and THC products here in the Lone Star State, leaving only CBG and CBD products legally allowed to be sold to consumers.

And we’ve come too far to lay down and let that happen! Listen and learn to the first half of the podcast to get the scoop on the changing Texas hemp law. And for the quick and dirty:

SB 3

Basically an all-out ban for legal hemp and THC sales in Texas, Senate Bill 3 was put forth by Senator Charles Perry (let him know your feelings about the bill, if you please). After legal hemp products are removed from the shelves, only CBG and CBD will be allowed to remain. As of March 28th 2025 it’s made 50% progression through the Legislature.

HB 1113

The partisan bill, which seeks to implement “common sense” regulations in the industry, can be seen as a more level-headed alternative to SB 3. And we’re not the only ones saying that. House Bill 1113 has made its way about 25% of the way through the 89th Legislature in Texas, and is backed by a growing number of people in the industry and across the aisle at the Capitol.

Terpenes make the world go ‘round

But let’s be serious for a sec. The reason we we’re so psyched to get Aaron on the show in the first place is his experience and knowledge about the science of cannabis and hemp. We had already chatted with him at the 2024 Texas Hemp Fest and it was clear—we were going to have a great time talking about terpenes. But we had no idea just how much new wisdom we walked away with this episode.

But how’d you get weed in water?

And naturally, we had to quiz Mr. Owens about Tejas Tonic’s state-of-the-art processes for extracting the terps and THC from plants (be sure to tune into the second half of the show for the real knowledge and what he learned since launching one of Texas’s most loved hemp product consumables), He’s spent many a’ year perfecting his recipe and processes, and our jaws were on the floor for this part.

How You Can Help

We’re so glad you asked. If you live in Texas and don’t want to see hemp and THC products banned, please call and email your reps! You can find the info to do so here.

Follow us on our YouTube for all of the conversations we have with industry professionals about the legality of hemp and the science, history, and culture surrounding of Mary Jane.

And don’t forget to link up with us on social! If you’d like to be on our podcast and share your industry knowledge with Shalay and Mandy, please DM us or email us at nobadbuds@gmail.com.

Until next time!

Episode four with Aaron Owens of Tejas Tonic

Episode Three with Sean from Doobie Blue Genetics