# Dan Patrick loss opens THC debate

> Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's defeat removes marijuana legalization barrier but gambling debate remains.
- Title: Dan Patrick loss opens THC debate · Houstonchronicle
- Summary: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's defeat removes marijuana legalization barrier but gambling debate remains. Dan Patrick's loss in Texas lieutenant governor race…
- Keywords: dan patrick, thc, sports betting, texas, lgb, democrat, republican, senate, marijuana legalization, gaming legislation, Houstonchronicle
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/state/article/thc-dan-patrick-22512364.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dan patrick, thc, sports betting, texas, lgb, democrat, republican, senate, marijuana legalization, gaming legislation, news, local
## Dan Patrick's election loss
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lost the Texas lieutenant governor race to Democrat Vikki Goodwin.
## Patrick blocked THC legalization
Patrick led efforts to ban THC products through Senate legislation that was later vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott.
## Goodwin supports marijuana legalization
Democratic Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin campaigned to legalize marijuana with tax revenue funding health insurance for 5 million uninsured Texans.
## Patrick opposed gambling expansion
Patrick was a staunch opponent of gambling including Texas Lottery operations and pro-gaming legislation.
## Gambling debate unchanged
Anti-gambling lobbyist Rob Kohler said Patrick's exit won't change dynamics on legal casinos or sports betting.
## Next gambling battle
The next battle will be over prediction markets that allow legal wagers on election outcomes and sporting events.
## Key takeaway

Dan Patrick's loss in Texas lieutenant governor race removes a major hurdle for legalizing marijuana but does not change the debate on expanding legalized gambling.