As a former Heisman Trophy winner playing for the University of Texas and longtime NFL running back, I spent years under the bright lights, pushing my body to the limits. I also spent years being vilified for my choice to use cannabis — a plant that helped me heal, find balance and stay on top of my game. Now, Texas lawmakers want to recriminalize this natural medicine under Senate Bill 3. It’s a mistake.
I’m not just speaking as an athlete. I’m also the cofounder of Project Champion, a group of former professional athletes working for common-sense cannabis regulations. We’ve seen first-hand how cannabis has helped us recover, reclaim our mental well-being and transition into life after sports. And we’re fighting for policies that recognize the plant’s benefits rather than criminalizing those who use it.
SB 3 imposes unnecessary restrictions that do more harm than good. While other states are embracing the benefits, Texas insists on clinging to outdated, fear-driven policies that do little more than harm everyday people.
Texas in 2019 allowed hemp-derived products to contain up to 0.3% THC, the primary psychoactive component in the cannabis plant, putting Texas law in line with federal law. Now those pushing SB 3 want to ban products containing any THC. This would leave many patients — veterans with PTSD, people with chronic pain and those battling serious illnesses — without effective relief. It would continue to criminalize countless Texans for simply choosing a safer alternative to opioids and pharmaceuticals.
Let’s be clear: This plant is not the enemy. Criminalization is.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
I know this because I’ve lived it. During my NFL career, I was repeatedly penalized, scrutinized and even suspended for my use. The stigma followed me, despite the fact that cannabis was helping me manage injuries, stress and the intense pressure that came with being a professional athlete. When I finally walked away from football, I dedicated myself to studying herbal medicine and cannabis science. I’ve seen first-hand how this plant can change lives for the better.
Texas, the second-largest state in the country, has a chance to be a leader in cannabis reform. Instead, lawmakers are dragging their feet, choosing politics over people and ignoring the overwhelming research that supports the medical and economic benefits. In fact, even at the federal level, steps have already been taken to lay the groundwork for a responsible, regulated market.
In 2018, President Donald Trump signed into law the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and paved the way for more Americans to access hemp-derived products such as CBD. That move demonstrated the foresight to recognize the economic and health benefits, yet Texas lawmakers are resisting progress instead of building on this foundation. Rather than restricting access, Texas should be following the lead of forward-thinking policymakers like Trump who understand the potential of this plant.
And let’s not ignore the unintended consequences of restricting access to a legal industry. If these products are banned or excessively limited, people won’t stop using them. They’ll turn to the illicit market. When that happens, unregulated and potentially unsafe products flood communities, opening the door for criminal enterprises and cartels to step in.
Prohibition has never worked. All it does is push consumers into the shadows, making it harder to ensure safety, quality and economic benefits for Texans. A regulated, legal market is the best way to protect consumers, generate tax revenue and eliminate the influence of illicit operations.
We don’t need more half-measures. We need real reform for Texas cannabis.
I urge Texas lawmakers: Don’t fumble this opportunity. Listen to the doctors, the scientists, the patients and the advocates. Listen to the millions of Texans who are ready for change. And if you’re unsure whether cannabis has a place in Texas, take it from me — a guy who knows a thing or two about making game-changing plays. It’s time to regulate hemp, don’t ban it.
The ball is in your hands, Texas. Don’t drop it.
Longhorns football legend Ricky Williams is the cofounder of Project Champion, an organization of former professional athletes advocating for cannabis reform.
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