Texas Lt. Gov. Criticizes Governor’s Hemp THC Product Regulations

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) is criticizing the executive order issued by
the governor last week to regulate hemp-derived THC products in the state.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued the executive order after lawmakers failed,
despite two special sessions, to pass regulations this summer for
intoxicating hemp products. The governor had requested the reforms after vetoing
a bill in June that would have banned hemp THC products outright.

Patrick pushed hard for the blanket hemp product ban earlier this year.
Then, following the governor’s veto, the lieutenant governor led the Senate
to pass similar proposals in both of the subsequent special sessions. Those
proposals never advanced in the House, however, and the governor may have
simply vetoed the ban a second time if it had reached his desk.

“The Governor’s executive order, intentionally or not, has sent a signal to
the THC industry that they have a state seal of approval on the current THC
market,” said Patrick, who said last year that banning hemp-derived THC
would be a top priority for 2025.

“The Texas Legislature never voted to legalize recreational marijuana or
the intoxicating THC products now sold at nearly 9,000 locations across the
state. Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Texas. However, because
an unscrupulous industry has exploited a loophole in the hemp law, they are
now selling highly potent and dangerous THC products to our kids and all
Texans alike.” — Patrick, in a statement

The governor’s executive order sets a number of base regulations that have
been requested by hemp industry operators, including official age limits
and ID check requirements. The order also sets product testing and labeling
requirements.