Protecting Kids: Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order Cracks Down on Hemp Sales to Minors

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In a recent executive order, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), as well as the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to begin implementing immediate action (1) “to protect Texas children from hemp-derived products, while respecting federal law and protecting the liberties of responsible adults.”

Governor Abbott’s executive order follows the state’s Legislature’s inability to pass a ban that would have banned customers under the age of 21 years old from purchasing hemp products.

“Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families,” said Governor Abbott (1). “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.”

As mentioned in the press release, the Executive Order directs the following agency motions (1):

• DSHS and TABC must ban sales to minors and require verification of government-issued ID at the point of sale, with failure to do so resulting in the loss of a retailer’s license.
• DSHS must review existing rules for possible revision, including strengthening testing and labeling requirements to ensure informed consumers, increasing licensing fees to facilitate enforcement, and improving recordkeeping to assist agency oversight.
• DSHS, TABC, and DPS must coordinate and increase enforcement across the state, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.

Aside from the actions of the executive order, other agencies, such as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, DSHS, and TABC will be managing a study investigating a comprehensive regulatory model which is similar to House Bill 309 (1). The press release mentioned how “This framework would provide a safe, transparent, and enforceable system that cracks down on abuse while preserving adult access to legal products,” (1).

SABER Supports State Bans on Synthetic Hemp Cannabinoids

On September 3, 2025, the nonprofit Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) stated in a press release, its support of recent legislation in multiple states restricting sales of certain synthetic hemp-derived cannabinoids (2). It specified Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas, and Virgina as demonstrating important efforts to control sales of cannabinoids including delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, and HHC.

“We support the states that have taken a decisive step forward by recognizing that chemically synthesized cannabinoids present unique dangers when sold without oversight,” said Thomas Brendler, PhD, Steering Committee Member at SABER (1). “SABER strongly supports this science-based approach and urges other states and federal regulators to follow suit.”

Governor Abbott vetoed Senate Bill (SB3) in June 2025, which aimed to prohibit hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the state. In his veto statement, he explained that regulation for the protection of minors is an immediate priority, the bill faced constitutional challenges and a delay of implementation. Multiple industry stakeholders, including the Texas Hemp Business Council and the Texas Cannabis Policy Center voiced their support of the veto, highlighting the detrimental effect the bill would have had on businesses and supported the move toward regulation over prohibition.

“Since 2019, bad actors have taken advantage of a loophole in Texas agriculture law to sell potent, intoxicating forms of THC that have nothing to do with agriculture,” stated Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (2). “These shops have rapidly spread throughout Texas, endangering the health and safety of children and families across our state, with no accountability. These products, often containing dangerous levels of THC, are marketed directly towards young people with colorful packaging and images, making THC look like candy or sweets.”

References

1. Governor abbott issues executive order to protect children from hemp products https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-to-protect-children-from-hemp-products (accessed Sep 11, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. Saber backs state bans on synthetic hemp cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, urges science-based regulation https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/saber-backs-state-bans-on-synthetic-hemp-cannabinoids-like-delta-8-thc-urges-science-based-regulation (accessed Sep 11, 2025).