About Us
Built to Protect the Future of Hemp
The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) was founded to unify and protect all parts of the hemp industry in Texas from growers and producers to retailers and consumers.
- Support every stage of the supply chain
- Defend the industry through legislation and legal action
- Promote a free, fair market for all Texans
Advocacy. Unity. Consumer Trust.
To advance and secure the Texas hemp industry and stakeholders through engagement with policymakers via advocacy and education, ensuring a robust marketplace while prioritizing consumer protection.
Cynthia Cabrera - Board Member, Founder & President
Cynthia Cabrera
Cynthia’s leadership in the emerging industries, like hemp, brings valuable knowledge to the board of THBC and its members. Cynthia is Chief Strategy Officer for Hometown Hero. Previously serving as executive director for the vape industry’s largest trade group from 2012-2016, she also serves on the Board of the distinguished Hemp Industry Association (HIA), as well as the Hemp Association of Louisiana, and the Tennessee Growers Coalition.
Cynthia manages all Hometown Hero lobbyists and lawyers including the legal teams actively defending lawsuits in Arkansas and Texas where she has won injunctions protecting the hemp industry in both states.
Mark Bordas - Board Member, Executive Director
Mark Bordas
Bordas brings to the Texas Hemp Business Council more than 30 years of government affairs experience, serving clients in highly regulated industries such as alcohol, vaping, healthcare and tobacco. In addition to helping launch and grow a number of industry trade associations, Bordas has been instrumental in organizing and developing a wide range of successful state, and federal legislative and regulatory campaigns.
“Mark’s extensive background navigating complex regulatory landscapes, along with his work building trade associations, will surely benefit the Texas Hemp Business Council as our executive director, particularly now as the hemp industry here in Texas and nationally is being threatened by potential bans and senseless overregulation,” said Cynthia Cabrera, founding board member of Texas Hemp Business Council and chief strategy officer at Hometown Hero. “His industry knowledge and strategic acumen will be crucial in advancing THBC’s goals.”
Bordas works as a government affairs specialist in Texas, assisting clients seeking legislative or regulatory relief in single or multiple states through lobbying, grassroots and communication strategies. Prior to that, he served nearly 20 years at Anheuser-Busch in varying roles coordinating legislative and regulatory activities. Bordas also was a founding member of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, and served as the principal organizer of New Mexicans for Fairness and The Texas Brewers Institute (now the Texas Brewers Guild). Earlier in his career, Bordas was executive director of the Ohio Jewelers Association, where he grew the organization’s annual trade show into the fourth largest fine jewelry event in the U.S.
John Murray - Board Member
John Murray
Before getting involved in the cannabis and hemp space, Mr. Murray had careers working as a design engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Manager for two major oil companies, including managing a $1.1 billion offshore development project before becoming President of a manufacturing company in Houston for 21 years.
After retiring from manufacturing, he and his wife, Sheryl, a Registered Nurse, and retired hospital administrator, moved to a medical cannabis state, and spent several years researching the benefits of medical cannabis, due to his wife’s health conditions and doctor recommendations. He came out of retirement to become R&D Director for a vertically integrated cannabis company, and was involved in all aspects of the business, including cannabis extraction.
He and his wife are passionate about the benefits of cannabis and hemp for medical patients, and quality control: striving to produce the highest quality, pure hemp-based consumables. John and Sheryl are also passionate about educating the public about the benefits of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.
Matt Buchanan - Board Member
Matt Buchanan
Matt Buchanan is the founder of Bucanna Labs, an Austin, Texas-based hemp active ingredient supplier specializing in the supply chain and logistics of raw hemp ingredients. With a deep-rooted passion for the hemp industry and a keen understanding of regulatory compliance, Matt has established himself as a trusted leader in the evolving hemp market.
Before entering the hemp industry, Matt worked in the physical wellness field, where he developed a deep appreciation for natural health solutions and holistic recovery methods. His experience in wellness ultimately led him to discover the powerful benefits of hemp and cannabis, sparking a passion that would shape his career.
Matt’s journey in hemp began with Jane Sampling, a company he founded to assist Texas hemp farmers with compliance testing and consulting. As a licensed hemp sampler through the USDA, he played a crucial role in ensuring that farmers met state and federal regulatory requirements while optimizing their crop quality and marketability. Through this work, he gained invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities within the industry, particularly in the areas of quality control, regulatory compliance, and product consistency.
As the hemp market continued to expand, Matt identified a growing need for reliable, large-scale distribution of active hemp ingredients. In response, he launched Bucanna Labs, a company dedicated to streamlining the supply chain for manufacturers and brands looking for high-quality, compliant hemp-derived compounds. Bucanna Labs quickly became known for its efficient logistics, transparent sourcing, and commitment to excellence, making it a preferred partner for businesses across the hemp industry.
Nicholas S. Warrender - Board Member
Nicholas S. Warrender
Nicholas S. Warrender is a founder, brand builder, and executive at the forefront of the hemp industry. As Vice Chairman and COO of Lftd Partners and founder and CEO of Lifted Made, launched in 2015, he has been a driving force in shaping the modern hemp category, pioneering some of its earliest delta-9 and live resin products to reach the national market.
His brand work has earned multiple industry awards, most notably through Urb, a nationally distributed hemp brand recognized for its design, innovation, and cultural resonance.
Samshudin "Sam" Dawoodani
Samshudin "Sam" Dawoodani
Samshudin “Sam” Dawoodani is the President of Four Seasons Trading. With 12 years of experience in the smoke and vape industry, Mr. Dawoodani grew an idea that started in a garage into one of the largest warehouses in Texas.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing tennis and traveling.
Stephen Scott Brown - Board Member
Stephen Scott Brown
Stephen Scott Brown is the CEO of Euphor Capital, LLC, 360 Global Solutions, LLC, and Golden State Construction, LLC. He provides high-level consulting and management across the finance, real estate, construction, hemp, and cannabis industries.
A graduate of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, Mr. Brown brings extensive expertise in finance, real estate, and construction. By 2008, he had facilitated over $500 million in real estate sales, originated $150 million in real estate loans, raised $25 million in private capital, and completed $50 million in real estate investment projects.
Mr. Brown has deep operational experience in the hemp and cannabis sectors, including real estate acquisition, design, permitting, construction, cultivation management, manufacturing, branding, distribution, and retail sales. He has developed and operated more than 500,000 square feet of indoor cultivation and manufacturing facilities, along with more than 100 acres of greenhouse and outdoor operations.
In late 2023, Mr. Brown expanded into the hemp industry and, in just 2.5 years, scaled a rapidly growing enterprise with annual revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars. His operations currently span more than 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space across Los Angeles and North Carolina, employing more than 750 people. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Healthy Alternatives Association and CBHD.
Nicole D'Ortona - Director of Operations
Nicole D'Ortona
Nicole serves as the Director of Operations for the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC), where she leads advocacy campaigns, strategic communications, and operational initiatives supporting one of the nation’s largest hemp industries. Since joining THBC in 2025, she has become a leading force in Texas hemp policy, spearheading the advocacy campaign that helped secure Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of SB3—a pivotal moment for the state’s hemp industry.
Outside of her advocacy work, Nicole is the co-founder of HIGROOV, a wellness company focused on developing cannabinoid infused hydration products that enhance movement, recovery, and everyday performance. As both an operator and entrepreneur, she brings a unique perspective to the conversation surrounding cannabis policy, innovation, and consumer access.
Driven by a deep belief in the therapeutic potential of plant medicine, Nicole is committed to advancing evidence-based cannabis policy, protecting small businesses, and ensuring Texans retain the freedom to choose safe, regulated hemp products.
Policy Position
We are working to advocate for a regulatory framework that ensures adult consumer protection while supporting the hemp industry throughout the hemp supply chain.
THBC supports additional regulations to keep consumers safe and products accessible:
THBC Does Not Support:
Financial Statements
2025
2025 Q1Q3 THBC financials Overview
- January 2025
- February 2025 Financials
- March 2025
- April 2025
- May 2025
- June 2025
- July 2025
- August 2025
- September 2025
- October 2025
- November 2025
Focused Initiatives
The Texas Hemp Business Council is actively working to protect and advance the hemp industry in Texas through strategic advocacy at both the state and federal levels. Our efforts focus on ensuring fair regulations, preserving market access, and defending the rights of hemp businesses and consumers across Texas.
Texas Rulemaking: TABC & DSHS
We are closely engaged in the ongoing rulemaking process with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to establish clear, science-based regulations for hemp products in Texas. Our goal is to ensure that these rules protect public safety while allowing legitimate hemp businesses to operate and thrive. We’re advocating for:
- Reasonable testing standards and compliance requirements
- Clear definitions and product categories that reflect the current market
- Workable timelines for implementation that don’t disrupt existing businesses
- Regulations that protect minors while allowing adults access to products they rely on
Through direct engagement with regulators, public comment periods, and stakeholder meetings, we’re working to shape rules that are practical, enforceable, and fair to all parties involved.
Fighting the Federal Hemp Ban
A federal rule set to take effect on November 12, 2026 threatens to effectively ban a significant portion of the legal hemp market nationwide. This ban would devastate thousands of Texas businesses, eliminate jobs, and strip consumers of access to products they rely on. We are actively fighting to overturn this rule through:
- Congressional advocacy and lobbying efforts
- Coalition building with national hemp organizations
- Legal challenges to the rule’s implementation
- Public education campaigns to raise awareness about the economic impact
The Texas hemp industry represents millions in economic activity and supports countless jobs across our state. We’re committed to ensuring that federal overreach doesn’t destroy what Texas farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers have built.
2025 THBC Accomplishments: Protecting Texas Hemp
Campaign Funding & Resources
- Raised over $1.2 million to conduct a comprehensive, all-inclusive campaign to save the industry.
Public Education & Narrative Control
- Developed educational materials and position papers to counteract false narratives about the industry and its products.
- Created and distributed industry economic impact reports to legislators, demonstrating hemp’s contribution to Texas jobs and revenue.
Grassroots Mobilization
- Launched social media campaigns across Texas through Facebook and Instagram garnering public support and awareness of the issue.
- Facilitated 64,000 personalized emails from industry members and consumers directly to their district legislators and key committee members throughout the regular session and two subsequent special sessions.
- Organized an unprecedented Governor outreach campaign featuring 8,000 handwritten letters and a petition with 150,000+ signatures in just three weeks.
- Generated thousands of calls to the Governor’s office in opposition to the ban—the Governor’s Director of Constituent Services stated the office had never received so many communications from Texans on any single issue.
Media & Public Relations
- Hosted a joint THBC/Veteran press conference at the Texas Capitol calling for a veto, amplifying the voices of Texas veterans and patients.
- Hand-delivered petitions and letters to the Governor’s office with news crews documenting the historic moment.
- Secured interviews and coverage in all major local and national news publications.
- Placed paid media advertisements in collaboration with allies across major newspapers statewide.
- Launched the most successful political hemp/cannabis social media campaign to date, holding national attention on X for two weeks with #FacesOfTxHemp and #VetoSB3, driving public awareness and political pressure.
- Developed campaign videos that were distributed through paid ads, TV and social media.
- Facilitated interviews with people who use hemp products to tell their personal stories. Used in social collateral and faces of hemp campaign.
Legislative Engagement
- Testified at every legislative hearing on behalf of the entire industry—the only trade group to do so.
- Coordinated allied organization appearances at legislative hearings.
- Maintained ongoing daily interactions with key elected officials, including the Governor’s office.
- Met multiple times with Governor Greg Abbott to discuss policy and the industry’s future.
- Hired, managed, and deployed professional lobbying teams to coordinate activities with legislators.
- Crafted and drove alternative legislative language acceptable to the entire industry throughout the regular and special sessions.
Major Victories
- Successfully influenced Governor Greg Abbott to veto a hemp ban bill through a comprehensive, assertive campaign.
- Worked with the Governor through two special sessions to protect the industry.
- Defeated two special sessions without a hemp ban passing, despite intense opposition.
- Secured a 21+ age gate through an emergency rule called for by Governor Abbott under DSHS and TABC.
Coalition Building & Regulatory Advocacy
- Built strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, enhancing the ability to influence legislative outcomes.
- Submitted formal comments and testimony during legislative hearings and agency rulemaking to shape fair, science-based policies for the entire industry.
Board of Directors
Cynthia Cabrera - Board Member, Founder & President
Cynthia Cabrera
Cynthia’s leadership in the emerging industries, like hemp, brings valuable knowledge to the board of THBC and its members. Cynthia is Chief Strategy Officer for Hometown Hero. Previously serving as executive director for the vape industry’s largest trade group from 2012-2016, she also serves on the Board of the distinguished Hemp Industry Association (HIA), as well as the Hemp Association of Louisiana, and the Tennessee Growers Coalition.
Cynthia manages all Hometown Hero lobbyists and lawyers including the legal teams actively defending lawsuits in Arkansas and Texas where she has won injunctions protecting the hemp industry in both states.
Mark Bordas - Board Member, Executive Director
Mark Bordas
Bordas brings to the Texas Hemp Business Council more than 30 years of government affairs experience, serving clients in highly regulated industries such as alcohol, vaping, healthcare and tobacco. In addition to helping launch and grow a number of industry trade associations, Bordas has been instrumental in organizing and developing a wide range of successful state, and federal legislative and regulatory campaigns.
“Mark’s extensive background navigating complex regulatory landscapes, along with his work building trade associations, will surely benefit the Texas Hemp Business Council as our executive director, particularly now as the hemp industry here in Texas and nationally is being threatened by potential bans and senseless overregulation,” said Cynthia Cabrera, founding board member of Texas Hemp Business Council and chief strategy officer at Hometown Hero. “His industry knowledge and strategic acumen will be crucial in advancing THBC’s goals.”
Bordas works as a government affairs specialist in Texas, assisting clients seeking legislative or regulatory relief in single or multiple states through lobbying, grassroots and communication strategies. Prior to that, he served nearly 20 years at Anheuser-Busch in varying roles coordinating legislative and regulatory activities. Bordas also was a founding member of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, and served as the principal organizer of New Mexicans for Fairness and The Texas Brewers Institute (now the Texas Brewers Guild). Earlier in his career, Bordas was executive director of the Ohio Jewelers Association, where he grew the organization’s annual trade show into the fourth largest fine jewelry event in the U.S.
John Murray - Board Member
John Murray
Before getting involved in the cannabis and hemp space, Mr. Murray had careers working as a design engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Manager for two major oil companies, including managing a $1.1 billion offshore development project before becoming President of a manufacturing company in Houston for 21 years.
After retiring from manufacturing, he and his wife, Sheryl, a Registered Nurse, and retired hospital administrator, moved to a medical cannabis state, and spent several years researching the benefits of medical cannabis, due to his wife’s health conditions and doctor recommendations. He came out of retirement to become R&D Director for a vertically integrated cannabis company, and was involved in all aspects of the business, including cannabis extraction.
He and his wife are passionate about the benefits of cannabis and hemp for medical patients, and quality control: striving to produce the highest quality, pure hemp-based consumables. John and Sheryl are also passionate about educating the public about the benefits of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.
Hunter Schiro - Board Member
Hunter Schiro
Before establishing Pioneer Farms, Hunter successfully grew several small businesses, turning them into thriving operations through strategic leadership and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Hunter’s journey into the cannabis industry was preceded by an extensive legal education. Hunter began his legal studies in 2015 at St. Mary’s University School of Law. While enrolled in law school, Hunter participated in the University’s international business transactions program in Innsbruck, Austria in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Hunter earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University, obtained his mediator’s certification, and successfully passed the Texas Bar Exam, becoming a licensed attorney.
Although he is not currently practicing law, Hunter’s legal expertise gives him a unique advantage in navigating the complex landscape of cannabis legislation, ensuring that Pioneer Farms operates with full compliance and foresight in an evolving regulatory environment.
Hunter also provides consulting and regulatory advice to various other cannabis conglomerates to ensure they operate within the confounds of local, state, and federal statutory schemes.In his spare time, Hunter loves to go on walks around the city with his wife and his two dogs, Ralphy and Pablo.
Curtis Chouteau - Treasurer
Curtis Chouteau
Curtis has a bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on project management from the University of St. Edwards in Austin, Texas. Born and raised in Texas, Curtis has a strong passion for protecting the cannabis industry in Texas and is an avid gardener with an interest in freeing plants to their full potential.
Policy Position
Advocate for a regulatory framework that ensures adult consumer protection while supporting the hemp industry throughout the hemp supply chain.
In addition to HB1325 Statute and Current DSHS Rules, THBC Supports:
THBC Accomplishments: Protecting Texas Hemp
THBC Does Not Support
Iniciatives
The Texas Hemp Business Coalition has led an unprecedented, multi-faceted campaign to preserve the legal hemp industry in Texas. Through strategic advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and unwavering commitment, THBC has achieved significant victories on behalf of the industry and the Texans who depend on it.
THBC Accomplishments: Protecting Texas Hemp
- Raised over $1.2 million to conduct a comprehensive, all-inclusive campaign to save the industry
- Developed educational materials and position papers to counteract false narratives about the industry and its products.
- Created and distributed industry economic impact reports to legislators, demonstrating hemp’s contribution to Texas jobs and revenue.
- Launched social media campaigns across Texas through Facebook and Instagram garnering public support and awareness of the issue.
- Facilitated 64,000 personalized emails from industry members and consumers directly to their district legislators and key committee members throughout the regular session and two subsequent special sessions.
- Organized an unprecedented Governor outreach campaign featuring 8,000 handwritten letters and a petition with 150,000+ signatures in just three weeks.
- Generated thousands of calls to the Governor’s office in opposition to the ban—the Governor’s Director of Constituent Services stated the office had never received so many communications from Texans on any single issue.
- Hosted a joint THBC/Veteran press conference at the Texas Capitol calling for a veto, amplifying the voices of Texas veterans and patients
- Hand-delivered petitions and letters to the Governor’s office with news crews documenting the historic moment
- Secured interviews and coverage in all major local and national news publications
- Placed paid media advertisements in collaboration with allies across major newspapers statewide.
- Launched the most successful political hemp/cannabis social media campaign to date, holding national attention on X for two weeks with #FacesOfTxHemp and #VetoSB3, driving public awareness and political pressure.
- Developed campaign videos that were distributed through paid ads, TV and social media.
- Facilitated interviews with people who use hemp products to tell their personal stories. Used in social collateral and faces of hemp campaign.
- Testified at every legislative hearing on behalf of the entire industry—the only trade group to do so.
- Coordinated allied organization appearances at legislative hearings
- Maintained ongoing daily interactions with key elected officials, including the Governor’s office.
- Met multiple times with Governor Greg Abbott to discuss policy and the industry’s future.
- Hired, managed, and deployed professional lobbying teams to coordinate activities with legislators.
- Crafted and drove legislative alternative language acceptable to the entire industry throughout the regular and special sessions.
- Successfully influenced Governor Greg Abbott to veto a hemp ban bill through a comprehensive, assertive campaign.
- Worked with the Governor through two special sessions to protect the industry.
- Defeated two special sessions without a hemp ban passing, despite intense opposition.
- Secured a 21+ age gate through an emergency rule called for by Governor Abbott under DSHS and TABC.
- Built strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, enhancing the ability to influence legislative outcomes.
- Submitted formal comments and testimony during legislative hearings and agency rulemaking to shape fair, science-based policies for the entire industry.
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