New executive order from Governor Abbott aims to protect children from harmful hemp exposure

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has issued a new executive order aimed at safeguarding Texas children from potentially harmful hemp-derived products. The order calls for immediate action from three major state agencies—the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS)—to crack down on underage access and improve oversight of hemp product sales across the state.

The move follows the Texas Legislature’s failure to pass a bill banning the sale of hemp-derived products to individuals under the age of 21. In response, Governor Abbott took executive action to implement protective measures while allowing adult consumers continued legal access to these substances.

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

Enforcement Measures and ID Requirements

Under the executive order, DSHS and TABC are mandated to ban sales of hemp products to minors immediately. Retailers must verify a valid government-issued ID at the point of sale. Any failure to comply will result in the loss of the retailer’s license, a serious consequence designed to encourage strict adherence to the new rules.

DSHS is also instructed to re-evaluate its current regulations and consider updates that would:

• Strengthen product testing and labeling requirements,

• Increase licensing fees to help fund enforcement actions, and

• Improve recordkeeping systems for better agency oversight.

The agencies are further directed to coordinate enforcement efforts with one another and work alongside local law enforcement to ensure compliance throughout the state.

Toward a Comprehensive Regulatory Model

Governor Abbott’s order also calls for the TABC, DSHS, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to study and propose a long-term regulatory framework. This model would be based on House Bill 309, which aimed to establish a transparent and enforceable structure for legal hemp sales in Texas. The goal is to create a system that allows responsible adult usage while curbing abuse and ensuring youth protection.

The Governor’s office emphasized that while this executive action fills an urgent need, a comprehensive, legislatively backed regulation would still be the most effective long-term solution.

For now, the Governor’s directive marks a significant step in ensuring the safety of children while balancing adult freedoms, as Texas continues to navigate the evolving hemp product landscape.