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Chill Out With These THC-Infused Drinks From Texas Makers

A bill that would have effectively banned THC products was vetoed this week, allowing Texas hemp brands to keep their products on shelves

Orange-Sunshine-CowboyPools-(Photo by Ben Godkin)
Cans of Orange Sunshine, a citrus THC tonic from a limited-edition collaboration between Tejas Tonic and Cowboy Pools. (Photo by Ben Godkin)

A bill that would have banned consumable hemp products containing any THC, such as delta-8 and delta-9, was vetoed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday, allowing a growing industry of low-dose cannabis beverages to continue operations across the state.

Senate Bill 3, which cleared the legislature earlier this month, aimed to tighten restrictions on hemp-derived THC products. But Abbott, in a public statement, called instead for “structured regulation, similar to the way alcohol is regulated,” pointing to the need for clearer oversight rather than outright prohibition.

According to the Texas Hemp Business Council, the bill’s passage could have cost the state more than 53,000 jobs. Earlier this month, the group said it delivered over 118,000 petition signatures and 5,000 handwritten letters to the governor’s office in an effort to sway his decision.

For now, THC beverages are here to stay in Texas. And a handful of local companies are leading the way with low-dose, hemp-derived alternatives to alcohol. Here are three to know.

THC-infused seltzer produced by Austin-based RESTART, shown in a variety pack featuring Ruby Rio, Agave Lime, and Sweet Sandia flavors. (Photo courtesy of Restart)
THC-infused seltzer produced by Austin-based RESTART, shown in a variety pack featuring Ruby Rio, Agave Lime, and Sweet Sandia flavors. (Photo courtesy of Restart)

Restart Ritas

Founded by three Austin-based sisters—Shayda, Sydney and Nika Torabi—Restart is known for its educational approach to cannabis and hemp products. With locations in North Austin and Cedar Park, the shop offers everything from topicals to flower, but the real draw during the Texas summer might just be their THC-infused Ritas. Packaged in 12-ounce cans with 5mg each of delta-9 THC and CBD, the sparkling seltzers come in three flavors: Agave Lime, Ruby Rio and Sweet Sandia. All Restart products are vegan, non-GMO, and made with organically grown U.S. hemp.

Tejas Tonic’s Orange Sunshine. (Photo courtesy of Tejas Tonic)
Tejas Tonic’s Orange Sunshine. (Photo courtesy of Tejas Tonic)

Tejas Tonic’s Orange Sunshine

Tejas Tonic is the beverage arm of Tejas Hemp, a Central Texas grower with farms in Dripping Springs and Luckenbach. The company oversees every step of production, turning its non-homogenized organic hemp into drinks made with all-natural ingredients. Orange Sunshine, a limited-edition collaboration with Cowboys Pools, blends 10mg of CBD and 2mg of THC into a crisp, zero-calorie tonic. It’s a refreshing option for those looking for a mellow buzz without the sugar.

Howdy's THC-infused Lemonade. (Photo courtesy of Howdy's)
Howdy’s THC-infused Lemonade. (Photo courtesy of Howdy’s)

Howdy Lemonade

Howdy’s THC lemonade strikes a clean balance of tart citrus and mellow sweetness, channeling nostalgia over novelty. Each can contains 5mg of hemp-derived THC, offering a gentle, approachable experience designed for easy sipping. Modeled after a classic country lemonade, it’s a low-dose alternative that doesn’t stray far from tradition. Howdy’s canned beverages are available at select liquor stores, markets and bars.

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