Austin, TX – State legislators are considering a ban of the sale of all consumable hemp products, leaving the cannabis industry and cannabis advocates in the State of Texas in an uproar.
New cannabis legislation threatens to dismantle a $5.5 Billion industry by bringing an end to the sale of all consumable hemp products in Texas.
This will affect over 10,000 businesses in Texas according to the latest estimates, and over 55,000 jobs will be lost.
“We haven’t abused any loopholes in legislation, because we did not write the legislation nor were we asked to help or assist in the regulations” states Ahmad Alnajjar, owner of Trippiez Smoke Shop. “Everything we have sold and produced has been federally legal with the recent federal farm bill guidelines. We want safety like the legislators do, we WANT proper regulation to ensure safety, abide by the law, and provide the right products for millions of Texans who rely on this as much as we rely on them.”
With five locations in Austin and plans to open an additional location soon, Trippiez Smoke Shop will definitely feel the burn when this legislation is enacted. Imposing fees, creating criminal offenses, and providing an administrative penalty for violations is the primary objective of the new legislation. TX SB3 is sponsored by several members of the state Senate and championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Texas legalized hemp-derived products in 2019, but according to the Lt. Gov., retailers have abused this by selling products with a THC level of above 0.3%. CBD and CBG products are exempt provided that they are registered, plainly labeled and in resealable, child-proof containers.
“All the businesses who follow regulations are being punished for the very very few businesses who act carelessly”, protests Alnajjar.
The concerns of those owners who will not have to close their doors is significant, as well. Adjustments will have to be made such as cutting labor costs, and profit will be lost on surplus hemp-derived inventory if not sold before the allotted grace period.
Cheech & Chong: Icons of Stoner Culture. Spotlighted in Blazed Magazine’s May/June 2025 Issue
The May/June 2025 edition of Blazed Magazine pays homage to the legendary comedic duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, featuring cover art inspired by their latest cinematic venture, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie. This tribute underscores their enduring influence on both mainstream and cannabis cultures spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Cheech & Chong became synonymous with countercultural humor, delivering iconic performances in films like Up in Smoke, Nice Dreams, and Still Smokin’. Their unique blend of satire and advocacy played a pivotal role in bringing cannabis culture into the public discourse.
Fast forward to today, the duo continues to innovate within the cannabis industry. Their latest product lines, High & Dry THC-infused seltzers and High Tea THC-infused iced teas, are now available at Total Wine locations across Texas. Flavors such as Magic Mule, Raspberry Highball, and Cheech’s Peaches offer consumers a modern, alcohol-free way to enjoy cannabis-infused beverages.
To celebrate these launches, Cheech & Chong are hosting an exclusive meet-and-greet event:
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 2:20 PM – 4:20 PM
Location: Total Wine & More, 9350 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75231
Fans can secure a spot by purchasing any Cheech & Chong beverage (High & Dry or High Tea) at any Total Wine location in Texas prior to the event and presenting the receipt or a clear photo of it. The first 250 attendees will receive a limited-edition signed poster and a photo opportunity with the duo.
Cheech & Chong’s continued contributions to entertainment and cannabis culture exemplify their lasting legacy and commitment to innovation.
Each can be heard on previous podcast of the Texas Hemp Show Podcast.
Patrick King, known professionally as The Soil King, made a name for himself in Northern California’s Emerald Triangle — the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States. He was part of the “215 Movement” in 1996, which legalized medical cannabis in California and paved the way for the nation’s broader legalization movement.
“I was the first micro-license given in the state of California and the first solventless rosin-producing company in California (Rosin Tech Labs),” he said.
Today, King travels the world speaking to audiences and promoting his agricultural products — a feat that landed him in Austin for the first time last October for The Taste of Texas Hemp Cup. During that visit, King said he observed something special about The Lone Star State.
“Texas shows up,” he said.
King has watched the tenacity continue in recent months, as advocates have appeared at the state capitol in droves to testify against bills that would ban all or most consumable hemp products.
“Being a pioneer myself to where cannabis is at today, it’s very, very important to show up in numbers and have the support,” King said. “When it came through in Northern California, nobody wanted to show up and do any activism. And that was a problem because there were just a few of us that would go to do all these events, that would show up at the capitol, that would actually read the bills and try to do our due diligence and report back to the community. When we asked the community to show up and help us, they wouldn’t do it.”
While some would offer monetary support, King recalls the reluctance of the community to take a public stand.
“But then when we didn’t get our way, those same people, all they did was cry and complain,” he said. “And my thing is, ‘Hey man, shut up or show up.’ And Texas shows up! That’s what happens here in Texas.”
On April 13, King returned to Austin for a meet and greet at Brite Ideas Hydroponics. He also appeared on the Texas Hemp Show, where he expressed his interest in expanding relationships in the area.
“If anybody wants to do some collabs, I want to get invested in this community,” he said. “I love you guys, I see what you’re doing, and I support you.”
During his time on The Texas Hemp Show, King discussed his passion for living soil and probiotic farming.
“When you’re dealing with probiotic farming, the same soil-born probiotic is the same microbiome as in your body,” he said. “So when you’re growing and get your soils right, you’re producing health to your body, and it’s a reciprocal relationship from earth to soul, and that’s how you get healthy.”
King boasts a “super clean” collection of farming products — including his King Kashi compost and Big Rootz Soil — which can be purchased at thesoilking.com.
Total Market Value: The Texas hemp-derived cannabinoid industry generates $5.5 billion annually.
• Retail Sales: The retail sector alone contributes $4.3 billion in revenue.
• Overall Economic Impact: The industry supports $10.2 billion in total economic activity.
• Tax Contributions: Hemp-derived cannabinoid sales generate $267.7 million in annual state sales tax revenue.
• Job Creation: The industry employs 53,382 workers, paying out $2.1 billion in wages.
Potential Economic Loss if SB 3 Passes
• Business Closures: Approximately 6,350 businesses would be forced to shut down.
• Job Losses: An estimated 40,201 workers would lose their jobs.
• Wage Decline: Texas workers would lose $1.6 billion in wages.
• Economic Shrinkage: A $10.2 billion reduction in economic activity.
• Tax Revenue Loss: Texas would forgo $267.7 million in annual sales tax.
Industry Health & Growth Trends
• Profitability: 93% of hemp businesses are either profitable or breaking even.
• Retail Growth: The number of registered retail locations increased from 5,072 in 2022 to 7,550 in 2024.
• Wage Increases: Average wages in retail rose from $14.19/hour in 2023 to $17.83/hour in 2025.
• Diversification: The industry has expanded beyond CBD into Delta-8, Delta-9, THCA, CBG, CBN, and HHC products.
• Texas Supply Chain: Most Texas hemp businesses source materials from multiple states but prioritize in-state suppliers.
Regulatory Uncertainty & Business Risks
• Top Business Concern: The primary risk cited by hemp businesses is state and federal regulatory changes.
• Federal Oversight: The FDA has not identified a public safety crisis related to converted cannabinoids.
• State-Level Crackdowns: States that have enacted similar restrictions, like Oregon, saw millions in lost revenue and disrupted supply chains.
Policy Recommendations
• Avoid Prohibition: Rather than banning hemp-derived cannabinoids, regulation should focus on product safety, age restrictions, and clear labeling.
• Support Economic Stability: Restricting the industry would disrupt thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenuewithout clear public safety benefits.
• Encourage Collaboration: A balanced regulatory approach could maintain public safety while allowing Texas businesses to continue growing.
The media landscape in America is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional cable TV, once the dominant source of political news, is losing its grip as Americans increasingly turn to YouTube for information and analysis. This transformation is fueled by the platform’s accessibility, diversity of content, and ability to connect with audiences in ways cable TV simply cannot. Here’s a look at how YouTube has become a primary source of political news and analysis for millions of Americans, exemplified by some of the most influential political podcasts.
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Why Americans Are Turning to YouTube for Political News
1. Diverse Perspectives: Unlike cable TV, which is dominated by a handful of networks with clear political leanings, YouTube offers a vast array of voices from across the political spectrum. This diversity allows viewers to explore multiple perspectives and form their own opinions.
2. On-Demand Content: Cable TV operates on a fixed schedule, while YouTube allows viewers to access political discussions anytime, anywhere. This flexibility is especially appealing to younger audiences accustomed to consuming content on their terms.
3. Unfiltered Conversations: YouTube video podcasts often feature long-form discussions that dive deeper into topics than the soundbites and curated debates on cable news. This format fosters nuanced conversations and provides a more comprehensive understanding of issues.
4. Direct Engagement: Viewers can comment, share, and interact with content creators, fostering a sense of community and dialogue. This level of engagement is missing from traditional cable TV.
5. Distrust in Traditional Media: Growing skepticism about mainstream media bias has led many Americans to seek alternative sources of news and analysis. YouTube’s decentralized model gives independent creators the freedom to address topics that cable networks might avoid.
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The Rise of Political News Podcasts on YouTube
Here are 10 of the most influential YouTube video podcasts that illustrate how Americans are consuming political news in the digital age:
It’s not on the list but is one of the most politically-heated personalities in talk podcasting for Obvious reasons is Tucker Carlson on X.
The former FOX News anchor has broken out on his won with plenty of success after being let go from Fox in late 2023.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
Impact: Joe Rogan’s discussions often touch on political issues, featuring guests from all sides of the spectrum. His open-ended format allows for in-depth exploration of topics rarely covered by mainstream media.
Why It Works: Rogan’s authentic, conversational style resonates with audiences tired of scripted debates.
2. The Alex Jones Show (on X)
Impact: Known for its provocative content, Alex Jones’ show delves into controversial political topics. His unapologetic approach attracts viewers seeking alternative perspectives.
Why It Works: Offers a counter-narrative to mainstream political reporting.
3. PBD Podcast (Valuetainment)
Impact: Patrick Bet-David invites politicians, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss the intersection of politics, economics, and culture.
Why It Works: Combines analytical depth with actionable insights, appealing to politically curious viewers.
4. Redacted
Impact: This podcast explores geopolitics and U.S. domestic issues, often critiquing mainstream media narratives.
Why It Works: Provides alternative analyses of global and national events, empowering viewers to question the status quo.
5. The Sean Ryan Show
Impact: Hosted by a former Navy SEAL, this show often examines politics through the lens of military and national security issues.
Why It Works: Combines expertise with candid conversations, offering a fresh take on political topics.
6. The Danny Jones Podcast
Impact: Danny Jones tackles political and social issues, often inviting diverse guests to provide unique perspectives.
Why It Works: Covers controversial topics with a bold, open-minded approach.
7. Piers Morgan: Uncensored
Impact: Piers Morgan interviews politicians and cultural figures, offering sharp commentary on current events.
Why It Works: Combines traditional journalistic expertise with modern, opinion-driven discourse.
8. Michael Franzese
Impact: While primarily known for sharing stories from his mobster past, Michael Franzese often touches on political themes, connecting historical and modern dynamics.
Why It Works: Blends personal anecdotes with political insights, creating a unique storytelling format.
9. Next News Network
Impact: An independent news outlet providing breaking news and political commentary, often critical of mainstream media narratives.
Why It Works: Appeals to viewers seeking alternative reporting on national and global events.
10. The Rubin Report
Impact: Dave Rubin’s show fosters discussions on politics, free speech, and cultural issues, often featuring high-profile guests.
Why It Works: Promotes intellectual dialogue and open debate in a polarized media environment.
The Future of Political News Consumption
As YouTube continues to grow, its influence on political discourse will only deepen. Here’s what this shift means for the future of media:
1. Decentralization of Power: The rise of independent creators is reducing the dominance of traditional media conglomerates.
2. Empowered Audiences: Viewers now have the tools to explore diverse viewpoints and make informed decisions.
3. Greater Accountability: The interactive nature of YouTube fosters a two-way conversation between creators and their audiences, encouraging transparency.
4. Challenges of Misinformation: While YouTube democratizes content creation, it also requires viewers to critically assess the credibility of their sources.
People simply are not buying fake news networks today. Americans and global cultures are evolving and influence is not limited to simply the Big Corporations anymore.
The migration of political news consumption to YouTube reflects a broader desire for authentic, accessible, and diverse content. These video podcasts are not just replacing traditional cable TV—they’re shaping the future of how Americans engage with politics in the digital age.
Exploring the Possibility of History Repeating Itself
In October 2024, global health leaders, policymakers, and private sector representatives convened in Washington, D.C., for the Bird Flu Pandemic Preparedness Summit. This event, focused on addressing the growing risk of avian influenza, bore striking similarities to Event 201, the 2019 pandemic simulation that foreshadowed many aspects of the real-world COVID-19 crisis. With the hypothetical scenarios modeled at the Bird Flu Summit raising awareness of the potential threat, it has sparked a controversial hypothesis: could this be a harbinger of an imminent bird flu pandemic, just as Event 201 seemingly preceded COVID-19?
Revisiting Event 201 and Its Real-World Parallel
Event 201, hosted in October 2019, was a tabletop exercise simulating a global coronavirus pandemic. Its purpose was to stress-test global systems and identify gaps in pandemic preparedness. Critics and conspiracy theorists have since questioned the timing, noting that COVID-19 emerged mere months later. While experts argue that such simulations are a prudent step in pandemic preparedness, the proximity of the two events fueled speculation and mistrust.
The Bird Flu Summit 2024, like Event 201, simulated a pandemic scenario—this time involving the rapid spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain. Participants explored the global impact of the disease, including overwhelmed healthcare systems, international trade disruptions, and vaccine development challenges. The similarities in structure, themes, and timing have led some to question whether history could repeat itself.
The Bird Flu Threat: A Growing Concern
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been on global health watchlists for years. Certain strains, such as H5N1 and H5N6, have shown the potential to infect humans, with high mortality rates in cases of zoonotic transmission. In 2023 and 2024, outbreaks among poultry and wild birds surged worldwide, with isolated human cases raising alarms.
The Bird Flu Summit 2024 aimed to preemptively address these concerns, yet it has inadvertently amplified speculation about the possibility of an impending pandemic. The timing of the event—preceding the spring migratory season when avian influenza typically peaks—has added to the unease.
Drawing Parallels: Event 201 vs. Bird Flu Summit 2024
Both events share several key features:
1. Focus on Global Preparedness:
Like Event 201, the Bird Flu Summit emphasized the need for public-private collaboration, rapid vaccine development, and robust communication strategies to combat misinformation.
2. Simulation of a Hypothetical Pandemic:
Each event modeled a fictional pandemic scenario, aiming to highlight vulnerabilities in global systems and prompt preemptive action.
3. Proximity to Real-World Events:
Critics of Event 201 argue that its timing—mere months before COVID-19 emerged—was suspiciously close. Similarly, the Bird Flu Summit’s focus on avian influenza comes amid heightened global outbreaks, leading some to question whether the exercise reflects an imminent reality.
4. The Role of High-Profile Organizations:
Both events were hosted by influential institutions and involved high-level representatives, further fueling conspiracy theories that such exercises are more than just precautionary measures.
Bill Gates and the World Health Organization have been questioned by alternative media like Alex Jones and others that doubt the official narrative of events following 2020.
Is another PLANDEMIC at works here to derail Trumps 2nd term and plummet the United States into lock downs and more chaos.
The Conspiracy Theory: Cause for Concern or Misplaced Fear?
Skeptics argue that such events may serve as precursors—or even catalysts—for real-world pandemics, citing the overlap between Event 201 and COVID-19 as evidence. Proponents of this theory now turn their attention to the Bird Flu Summit, hypothesizing that a bird flu pandemic could materialize in spring 2025, mirroring the timeline of COVID-19’s emergence after Event 201.
However, experts caution against drawing direct correlations. Pandemic simulations are designed to identify weaknesses, not to predict or trigger outbreaks. The rise of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza is more closely tied to ecological factors such as climate change, deforestation, and intensive farming practices, which increase opportunities for animal-to-human
transmission.
Curious as it may be however, mainstream media outlets are noticeable pushing the fear mongering for a coming bird flu. One need only flip on the MSNBS or CNN for the latest in this propaganda based reporting. With Deep State actors afraid of what a Trump administration lead by the likes of RFK Jr, Elon Musk, and others. It does beg questions if there might be another
Why the Bird Flu Summit Matters
Conspiracy theories aside, the Bird Flu Summit underscored critical issues in pandemic preparedness:
1. Rapid Vaccine Deployment:
Advances in mRNA technology, widely used in COVID-19 vaccines, were a focal point of the summit. Accelerating the development and distribution of bird flu vaccines is a key strategy to mitigate potential outbreaks.
2. Surveillance and Early Warning Systems:
The summit called for strengthening global surveillance of avian influenza to detect outbreaks early and prevent spillover to humans.
3. Public Trust and Communication:
Building public trust through transparent communication was emphasized, especially in combating misinformation—a challenge that plagued COVID-19 responses.
4. Global Cooperation:
The summit highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly in addressing vaccine equity and sharing resources during crises.
Preparing for the Worst While Hoping for the Best
Whether or not the Bird Flu Summit 2024 foreshadows an imminent pandemic remains uncertain. While the parallels with Event 201 are compelling, they may ultimately be coincidental. Nevertheless, the ongoing rise in zoonotic diseases reminds us that global health preparedness is more crucial than ever.
Rather than succumbing to fear or speculation, the focus should remain on actionable steps to prevent and mitigate future pandemics. The lessons from both Event 201 and the Bird Flu Summit 2024 are clear: the world must be vigilant, proactive, and united in its approach to emerging health threats.
In the end, preparedness is not a guarantee against pandemics—but it is our best defense. Whether the spring of 2025 brings a bird flu pandemic or not, the steps we take today will define how resilient we are when the next crisis inevitably strikes.
The Drone Deception: A Psyop to Push the Narrative of a Fake Alien Invasion
In recent years, reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) have surged, with mainstream media and government agencies amplifying the mystery surrounding these incidents. However, beneath the surface of these headlines lies a compelling and unsettling theory: these drones are not extraterrestrial but rather part of an elaborate psyop orchestrated by Deep State operatives to mislead the public and propagate a deceptive narrative.
The Deep State’s Hidden Agenda
At the heart of this theory is the belief that the Deep State—a shadowy coalition of government, military, and corporate interests—controls advanced technologies and uses them to manipulate public perception. The drones that have captured the public’s imagination are likely U.S. Navy or NASA-operated assets, deployed strategically to create the illusion of unidentified or extraterrestrial origins.
This operation is not a random occurrence but a calculated effort to steer global narratives. By using these drones to foster speculation about alien life, the Deep State can distract from other pressing issues, unify global populations under a fabricated threat, and justify expanded military budgets and surveillance powers.
The Role of the Media
Mainstream media has long been accused of being complicit in state-sponsored propaganda. In this case, it appears they have received marching orders from the Pentagon to perpetuate the mystery of these drones. Despite possessing the resources and investigative capabilities to uncover the true nature of these technologies, media outlets continue to describe them as “unknown” or “unexplained.”
By doing so, they amplify the aura of uncertainty and wonder, nudging public opinion toward a narrative of extraterrestrial involvement. This serves the Deep State’s goals, ensuring that the population remains captivated and distracted while larger geopolitical or technological plans unfold behind the scenes.
The Project Blue Beam Connection
This theory aligns closely with discussions of Project Blue Beam, a purported operation designed to deceive global populations through advanced technologies. Project Blue Beam allegedly involves:
Light Show Technology: Holographic projections capable of simulating celestial phenomena, alien spacecraft, or religious figures.
High-Frequency Audio: Techniques to create voices or sounds directly in the minds of unsuspecting individuals.
Satellite Imagery: Tools to produce convincing visuals of events in the sky, further solidifying the illusion of extraterrestrial activity or divine intervention.
The drones observed today could be a precursor to such a staged event, testing public reactions and fine-tuning the technological capabilities required for a large-scale deception.
The Endgame: A New World Order
The ultimate goal of this psyop, according to the theory, is to establish a New World Order. By uniting humanity under the threat of a common enemy—whether aliens or some other fabricated menace—the Deep State can consolidate power, impose stricter controls, and reconfigure societal structures to serve their interests.
This strategy aligns with historical patterns, where fear and crisis have often been used as tools to expand government authority. The alien invasion narrative is merely the next iteration of this tactic, leveraging cutting-edge technology to achieve unprecedented levels of influence.
Conclusion
While skeptics may dismiss this theory as conspiratorial, it invites critical examination of the narratives fed to us by powerful institutions. Are we witnessing genuine unidentified phenomena, or are we being manipulated by a calculated campaign of deception?
The truth may lie hidden in the shadows, but questioning the official narrative is the first step toward uncovering it. As we continue to explore these phenomena, it is crucial to remain vigilant, skeptical, and aware of the broader context in which these events unfold.
In the end, the drones may not be a harbinger of alien life but a stark reminder of how easily perception can be shaped by those in power.
