The cannabis community in the Lone Star State has been on an emotional roller coaster ride as of late. The booming hemp industry was threatened by a near-total ban that Governor Greg Abbott vetoed at the 11th hour. During a special session, the threat loomed again—but ultimately failed. Now, Abbott has followed through on promises to enact regulations on intoxicating hemp products throughout Texas.
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Gov. Abbott had previously directed the state legislature to adopt regulatory policies for the hemp industry. His main concerns center on access to intoxicating hemp products like delta-9 THC drinks and THC-A flower. While lawmakers could not come to an agreement on hemp policy, Abbott took matters into his own hands.
The governor issued an executive order meant to curtail sales of hemp products to minors and protect consumers. Retailers may no longer sell hemp products to anyone under 21 and must check identification to ensure compliance. Stricter testing of the products is also obligatory.
“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,” Abbott said in a press release.
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When Abbott vetoed SB 3, which would have essentially banned nearly all hemp products in Texas, he suggested a similar regulatory framework. It appears he views the industry as akin to that of liquor stores, which already have many complementary policies.
“Legislators could consider a structure similar to the way alcohol is regulated, with strict enforcement by an agency like the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission,” he wrote in his veto letter.
While a total hemp ban would have crippled the industry in Texas, the executive order is seemingly something most in the space can get behind.
