Texas Gov. Expected to Adopt Hemp THC Regulations Via Executive Order

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to issue an executive order to create rules and regulations for the state’s hemp industry, the Texas Tribune reports.

According to a preliminary framework described in the report, the order would set an age limit of 21 for buying hemp THC products, would mandate ID checks at the time of purchase, and would require retailers to be located a certain distance from schools. The expected executive order could also contain product labeling and testing requirements.

Lawmakers originally passed legislation this year banning the sale of hemp THC products outright — a plan that would have effectively dismantled the state’s $8.5+ billion hemp industry — but Abbott vetoed the proposal and initiated a special legislative session, asking lawmakers instead to pursue regulations for hemp THC products similar to alcohol.

Ultimately, the Legislature failed during two special sessions to pass a bill regulating the industry. The Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), approved legislation again seeking to ban hemp products during both sessions, but the bills never progressed in the House.

Last week, when asked by reporters whether he was considering bringing lawmakers back to the Capitol to address hemp regulations in a third special session, the governor responded, “I will say, stay tuned on that. Something may be happening soon.”

Meanwhile, another proposal to regulate hemp products that passed this year, which the governor did not veto, took effect last week. The new law bans the sale of vaporizers and vape products that contain any amount of cannabinoids.

Texas also passed a new law this year to expand the state’s medical cannabis program with additional business licenses, new cannabis delivery methods, and new qualifying conditions, including chronic pain.