Ricky Williams slams Texas lawmakers in explosive lawsuit, claiming the hemp THC ban defies federal law and endangers the rights of millions
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In June 2025, Williams joined a federal lawsuit aimed at stopping a proposed Texas law that would ban hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8. 'Texas is attempting to outlaw these items against the will of hundreds of thousands of voters,' the legal complaint states. Now, Williams is bringing his voice—and his influence—to a battle that could change everything.
Ricky Williams warns Texas hemp THC ban could devastate the state's cannabis economy, risking billions in revenue and hundreds of small businesses
It all started when Texas lawmakers introduced a bill that would classify many hemp-based THC products as Schedule I substances—putting them in the same category as heroin and LSD.
If passed, the law would force shops across the state to pull popular items like gummies, vapes, and oils off the shelves.
That didn't sit right with Williams. So he teamed up with the Cannabis Freedom Alliance and signed onto a lawsuit challenging the proposed ban. Filed in Texas and cited in a report by ProFootballTalk, the suit argues that the state can't just override federal law. Specifically, it points to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids nationwide.
The suit also warns that Texas is threatening to undo years of work by businesses and farmers who've built a thriving industry under the protections of that law. And for Williams, this fight is personal.
Ricky Williams blasts Texas for ignoring science and silencing choice, calling the hemp THC ban a reckless move that punishes athletes seeking natural recovery
Speaking at a wellness event in Austin, Williams didn't hold back. 'Cannabis allowed me to extend my athletic career and recover without prescription drugs,' he said.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2011, Ricky Williams has leaned into a lifestyle built around healing—teaching yoga, practicing meditation, and advocating for holistic wellness.
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To him, cannabis isn't just a talking point. It's a tool that helped him cope with pain, both physical and emotional.
Now he's using his platform to push back. Through social media, interviews, and public appearances, Williams has urged Texans to stand up for their rights. 'This ban doesn't just affect me—it affects small businesses, farmers, and consumers. Communities,' he said during a recent livestream.
Why Ricky Williams' fight against Texas' cannabis ban could set a national precedent
Texas lawmakers say they're concerned about the potency of products like Delta-8 and how they're marketed to younger audiences.
But critics argue that strict regulation—not a flat-out ban—is the real solution. Other states, like Idaho and Wyoming, have already tossed out similar laws in court.
This lawsuit could be the next to set a precedent. Legal experts say the outcome might not just shape policy in Texas—it could influence what happens nationwide. If the courts side with Williams and his legal team, hemp-derived THC products would remain protected.
But if the state wins? It could be the first domino in a wave of bans.
Ricky Williams may be done running on the field, but he's not done running toward what he believes in. With this lawsuit, he's putting his name—and his legacy—on the line for something bigger than football. Whether or not the courts agree with him, one thing's clear: Williams isn't afraid to challenge the system. Not when he thinks people's rights are on the line.
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