Texas Governor Expected To Issue Hemp Executive Order Setting Age Limit And Requirements For Testing And Labeling

*The timeline for an executive order isn’t certain, but Abbott is expected
to direct the Department of State Health Services to establish rules
governing THC.*

*By Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune*

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) will soon issue an executive order to regulate THC and
set a minimum age of 21 to purchase those products in Texas, according to
three people who spoke with the governor’s office.

The Legislature’s second special session of the year ended last week after
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) announced that the House, the Senate and Abbott
would not reach a deal on the matter. Patrick has been dead set on a full
ban, but Abbott called for a regulatory framework like one he outlined on page
3 of his Senate Bill 3 veto letter.

At Friday’s camp safety bill signing, reporters asked Abbott whether he
would wait till 2027 for a THC bill or call a special session.

“I will say, stay tuned on that,” Abbott answered. “Something may be
happening soon.”

The timeline for an executive order isn’t certain, but Abbott is expected
to direct the Department of State Health Services to establish rules
governing THC. Sources have seen a document outlining a potential framework
for the rules, although they stressed that the framework isn’t final.

- 21-and-up age minimum to purchase or enter certain businesses
- ID checking
- Distance requirements from schools
- Labeling requirements
- Testing products for THC content
- Fee increases for businesses

Rules like that would regulate THC sales in a manner akin to liquor stores
and could be seen as picking liquor stores as a winner amid declining
alcohol sales nationally. Supermarkets and other stores that sell beer and
wine — and THC products currently — could be barred from sales.

“Legislators could consider a structure similar to the way alcohol is
regulated, with strict enforcement by an agency like the Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission,” Abbott floated in his June veto letter.

Abbott’s office declined to comment.

*This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/09/greg-abbott-thc-executive-order-21-texas/.*

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