Governor Greg Abbott has issued a new executive order that keeps THC products mostly legal in Texas but restricts their sale to minors. The order, announced Wednesday, directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to ban sales of THC products to anyone under 18. These agencies must also review their rules to add stricter labeling and testing requirements, improve how they keep records, and raise licensing fees to help with enforcement.
The order calls for these agencies to team up with the Department of Public Safety to boost efforts to enforce current regulations. Abbott said the move is about protecting children and giving parents peace of mind. While he believes THC products still need broader rules like those for alcohol and tobacco, the executive order is a step forward for safety.
Texas lawmakers have been deadlocked on how to handle THC products. Abbott had pushed for action on this during two special legislative sessions, but no agreement was reached. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been clear that he wants a full ban, calling THC a “poison in our public.” Abbott, however, favors stronger regulation over an outright ban.
This executive order bypasses the stalled lawmakers and puts some rules in place without waiting for new laws. Some industry leaders supporting hemp products say that putting an age limit on sales is a good start. Many retailers already check IDs even though there was no formal rule requiring it.
Earlier attempts in the Legislature, including House Bill 36, tried to set a minimum age of 21 for buyers. That bill would have made it illegal for minors to buy THC products and introduced penalties for buyers and sellers but it died in committee. Some critics argued minors should not face punishment, only sellers. After a fight between the House and Senate, a bill to ban THC entirely was passed but later vetoed by Abbott, who said a total ban would conflict with federal law.
State Senator Charles Perry, who pushed several THC bans this year, said age restrictions aren’t enough. He wants all synthetic and converted cannabinoids banned immediately, especially any that can be smoked.
As it stands, Texas keeps THC products legal, but now minors will be off-limits buyers. More rules on testing, labeling, and enforcement are coming. The debate over how Texas handles THC isn’t over yet, but for now, the governor has acted to keep these products out of kids’ hands while others push for tighter controls or a full ban.