Clayton Tucker, a Democratic candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, said microplastics are present in human bones, brains and bodies and proposed hemp as a solution.
In a post on social media, Tucker stated: “Microplastics are found in our bones, brains, and bodies. Hemp is a solution, as it can be used to make biodegradable plastics. Let’s use hemp to stop microplastics.”
Recent peer-reviewed studies have detected microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations significantly higher than in liver or kidney samples. One study published in Nature Medicine in 2025 found levels in the brain increased approximately 50 percent between 2016 and 2024.
Other research has identified microplastics in human bones and skeletal tissue, as well as in blood, organs and other parts of the body.
Tucker suggested industrial hemp as a way to reduce microplastics by producing biodegradable plastics. Research has explored hemp fibers and cellulose as renewable feedstocks for bioplastic materials that break down more readily than conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Tucker is a fifth-generation Texas rancher and farmer who operates the RX Ranch in Lampasas. He serves as Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union and has advocated for industrial hemp and sustainable agriculture policies.
He is running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the 2026 election on a platform focused on making food and farming more affordable, breaking up monopolies and protecting water resources.
No independent verification of specific hemp-based plastic solutions replacing current microplastic sources was provided in the post.
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