Texas Tightens Rules on Hemp-Derived Products
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This article was last updated: 10/04/2025
In September 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Executive Order GA-56, directing Texas state agencies to implement stricter regulations on hemp-derived products, particularly to restrict sales of products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids to minors. The order instructs the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to implement new safeguards, including age verification, labeling rules, enhanced oversight, and enforcement of products containing THC.
This is good news for consumers because therapeutic CBD products remain available and legal for purchase in Texas, without disruption. What changes is the introduction of stronger safeguards, rules that ensure products on the market are accurately labeled, adequately tested, and kept out of the hands of minors. Hemp for Health supports these efforts, as they raise the standard for the entire industry while protecting patients and consumers from unsafe or misleading products.
Important Highlights
- Age Restriction for Purchases: The order mandates that consumable hemp products containing THC may not be sold to minors under 21. TABC has already approved emergency rules barring THC product sales to minors at businesses and venues with liquor licenses.
- ID Verification: On October 3, 2025, DSHS has enacted an emergency rule prohibiting the sale of consumable hemp products to minors. (Updated 10/04/2025)
- Regulatory & Enforcement Actions: DSHS and TABC are charged to update rules related to labeling, record-keeping, licensing, testing standards, and enforcement protocols to ensure oversight.
- License Consequences: For TABC-licensed entities, violations (like selling to a minor) could mean license cancellation. The new rules begin enforcement starting October 1, 2025.
What This Means for CBD Consumers
- Age Verification: Shoppers are now required to perform an ID check before purchasing hemp-derived products as agencies expand regulations.
- DSHS Will Soon Release New Rules: Gov Greg Abbott’s order tasks DSHS with crafting rules for non-liquor CBD retailers not falling under the TABC’s purview (such as smoke shops, general CBD shops, pharmacies, holistic shops, and online stores.) These rules are currently being drafted and we expect to hear more about them in the near future.
As a hub for hemp news and education, we will keep our readers updated as agency rules come out.
