Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Dodges Inquiry on Texas THC Ban Amid Senate Campaign
8/16/2026, 12:19:20 AM
Core Event
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, was approached by a young man who asked for his view on the state’s THC prohibition. Paxton replied, “Uhm. I don’t know the details of it,” added “Let’s talk later,” and then walked away. The exchange was posted online and quickly drew commentary from political observers and cannabis-rights advocates.
Background & Context
Paxton, who oversees Texas law-enforcement matters, has pursued an aggressive enforcement agenda on cannabis. Since 2019 his office has litigated every hemp-related lawsuit in the state and has sued five Texas municipalities that voted to decriminalize marijuana possession through local referenda. Those actions have placed the attorney general’s office at the center of ongoing litigation over the THC ban.
Official Statements & Responses
In the brief interaction, Paxton offered no substantive explanation of the law he is tasked with enforcing, instead deferring the discussion. No further clarification or policy detail was provided by his office in the aftermath of the clip.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Uhm. I don't know the details of it,” — General Ken Paxton, texas attorney
- “Kids will turn on you if you tell them they can't smoke weed,” — Podcaster Joe Rogan
- “Uhhh...you don't know the details of a law in the state where you are in charge of enforcing the laws?” — Sara McGee
- “Sounds like an awful Attorney General who would be an awful senator,” — Russell Foster
