In a latest press launch, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) disclosed the implementation of emergency guidelines (Rule §300.701 and Rule §300.702) which
With the adoption of those emergency guidelines, it marks the start of working towards Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s govt order GA-56, which was signed again in September 2025 (1,2). The govt order was geared toward defending youngsters from each hemp and hemp-derived merchandise. According to the press launch (1), “The rules define a minor as a person under 21 years of age, require consumable hemp sellers to verify purchasers have a valid ID that shows they are at least 21 years old, and provide for penalties including the revocation of a license or registration for violations.”
As talked about within the press launch, the
- DSHS and TABC should ban gross sales to minors and require verification of government-issued ID on the level of sale, with failure to achieve this ensuing within the lack of a retailer’s license.
- DSHS should assessment current guidelines for doable revision, together with strengthening testing and labeling necessities to guarantee knowledgeable shoppers, growing licensing charges to facilitate enforcement, and enhancing recordkeeping to help company oversight.
- DSHS, TABC, and DPS should coordinate and improve enforcement throughout the state, in partnership with native regulation enforcement companies.
At this time, the emergency guidelines that have been carried out will probably be in impact for up to 120 days and have the choice to be prolonged by means of a one-time 60-day extension. While that is happening, the DSHS is working in the direction of everlasting rules that may impose an age requirement, in addition to different sections included within the GA-56 govt order. Once the DSHS broadcasts their proposed guidelines, the general public will probably be allowed to supply any commentary on these rules throughout a scheduled public listening to.
THBC and TCPC Announce Support for Texas Governor’s Executive Order
In a September 2025 press launch (2), the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) launched a press release in assist of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA 56.
“Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families,” stated Governor Abbott (2). “While these products would still benefit from the kind of comprehensive regulation set by the Texas Legislature for substances like alcohol and tobacco, my executive order makes sure that kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now, and that consumers know the products they purchase are tested and labeled responsibly.”
“The Texas Hemp Business Council recognizes Governor Abbott’s executive order, emphasizing that existing Texas hemp laws already regulate the industry, while supporting protections for minors and practical enforcement for hemp businesses. By avoiding a ban on hemp products, GA 56 preserves lawful adult access, promotes responsible commerce and discourages the growth of illicit markets,” THBC expressed (2).
“We fully support measures that ensure hemp products are sold only to adults aged 21 and over, including child-resistant packaging and measures to reduce potential school exposure,” the press launch talked about (2).
“This executive order is an important step toward a responsible hemp market in Texas,” stated Heather Fazio, Director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center (2). (*21*)
References
- DSHS broadcasts emergency guidelines prohibiting the sale of consumable hemp merchandise to minors
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-announces-emergency-rules-prohibiting-sale-consumable-hemp-products-minors (accessed Oct 8, 2025). - Colli, M. THBC and TCPC applauds governor Abbott’s govt order on hemp gross sales to minors
https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/thbc-and-tcpc-applauds-governor-abbott-s-executive-order-on-hemp-sales-to-minors (accessed Oct 8, 2025).