At Hemp Gaia, we stand on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and truth. That same foundation extends into our work with CRAFT—educating and protecting hemp retailers—and with the Green Shield Alliance, a think tank committed to research, governance, and forward-thinking hemp policy. Together, we’re creating a unified vision for the future of hemp in Texas and beyond.
But unity must go deeper than branding or mission statements. With the 2024 Farm Bill on the horizon, now is the time to come together as one industry—across cannabinoids, fiber, grain, wellness, and medicine.
We may have different sectors. Different products. Different philosophies.
But we are still one plant.
🌱 The Farm Bill Is Not the Enemy — But It Is the Opportunity
Let’s be very clear: Texas must stay in alignment with the existing Farm Bill. Any attempt to override or "redefine" what hemp is in our state is not only unconstitutional—it’s a betrayal of the farmers, small businesses, and patients who built this industry in good faith.
This isn’t just about cannabinoids. It’s about the truth.
Under federal law, hemp is legally defined as Cannabis sativa L. with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. That’s it. The plant is the same plant, whether you're growing for grain, fiber, or cannabinoids. What varies is the grade and intended use—not the biology.
The truth is simple: it’s all Cannabis sativa L.
It’s time we stop pretending otherwise.
The term “marijuana” itself is a relic of racially motivated policy used to criminalize Black and Brown communities. It is not a botanical term. And increasingly, it’s losing legal relevance. So why are we still using it to divide our own industry?
We need one plant, one name, one definition—with various uses under it:
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Medicinal cannabis
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Wellness-grade hemp-derived cannabinoids
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Industrial hemp for fiber and grain
All of it from one plant. The same species. The same truth.
💊 The Gap in Medical Use
We believe in medical cannabis expansion. But let’s ask the hard question: why aren’t we doing more to actually use cannabis medically?
Where are the suppositories for cancer patients?
Where are the high-dose options for palliative care?
Where are the scientific, pharmaceutical-grade formulations based on global research?
Ironically, hemp gives us more room for research because we’re federally legal. That’s the opportunity we must seize. Texas can lead the way—not by restricting hemp, but by supporting its full spectrum of potential.
🔥 Now Is the Time to Speak Truth to Power
We have watched bad actors twist the law, exploit the system, and manipulate the narrative—while the people who created this industry get punished. Small businesses. Farmers. Patients. Advocates. We built this movement, and now some in power want to bury it.
Where is the accountability for the corruption that’s brought us here?
Why are those who abused the system not being investigated?
Why are we treated like criminals while they rewrite the rules in real time?
We have to tell the truth. And the truth is on our side.
The 2024 Farm Bill is our opportunity to set the record straight.
To demand a unified definition at the federal level.
To ensure states like Texas don’t go rogue.
To elevate science over fear.
To finally unite as one movement under Cannabis sativa L.
But truth alone is not enough—we must be ready.
🛡️ CRAFT Is the Shield and the Standard
That’s why we created CRAFT (Cannabis Retailers Alliance for Texas).
CRAFT is here to instill the standards, education, and compliance systems the industry needs—not just to operate, but to survive. Because while regulators and law enforcement are trained, funded, and organized to come after us—we need to be just as prepared to protect ourselves.
✅ CRAFT trains retailers and manufacturers in bulletproof compliance.
✅ We raise the bar with real, working SOPs, certification, and accountability.
✅ We build a shield for the people on the ground actually doing the work.
If they come at us like a tactical unit, we need to move like one too.
CRAFT is our defense. And our offense.
This is not just a business—it’s a movement.
Let’s make it untouchable.
Let’s make it undeniable.
Let’s make it unified.
Written by Rhiannon Yard, founder of Hemp Gaia, Executive Director of CRAFT, and leader of the Green Shield Alliance.