On September 10, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-56, calling for immediate restrictions on hemp-derived products by limiting sales to adults aged 21 and older. This will be the first item addressed in rulemaking set to take place within 10 business days of the EO announcement. In addition, he has issued additional regulation directives for DSHS and TABC to take into consideration.
The rulemaking process will commence on 9/23/25 during a TABC meeting to address the age gate and ID verification requirements. Expected key rule changes include:
- Hemp-derived product sales limited to persons aged 21 and older.
- Government ID verification to be required at the point of sale — both in-store and online.
Businesses should act immediately to update point-of-sale procedures and online checkout systems to ensure compliance.
What Comes Next: DSHS Rulemaking
The Executive Order also directs Texas agencies to review and strengthen regulations across the hemp industry. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) must begin formal rule making within the next 10 business days from the announcement.
Areas under review include:
- Youth Access & Enforcement
- School setback requirements
- License cancellations for violations
- Product & Safety Standards
- THC testing protocols for total Delta-9 content
- Labeling rules (cannabinoid content, serving sizes, health warnings)
- Record-keeping for sales, inventory, and testing
- Potency limits
- Legality of hemp flower
- Economic & Compliance Issues
- Application and renewal fees for hemp manufacturer and hemp retailer licenses
- Coordination with TABC for enforcement
These directives are not yet law — they will go through the formal rulemaking process, which gives our industry the opportunity to provide input and influence the outcome.
What This Means for Texans
- Age restrictions take effect as soon as rule making begins. No hemp-derived products may be sold to anyone under 21.
- DSHS has 10 days from issuance to begin rulemaking on broader regulations.
- Hemp products (except those already impacted by SB 2024) remain legal for adults 21+ under 0.3% delta-9 THC — though the regulatory framework will likely change.
Our Industry Response & Next Steps
The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) is mobilizing quickly to ensure the hemp industry’s voice is heard throughout this process. Our strategy includes:
- Coordinated Comment Campaigns – guiding farmers, businesses, and consumers in submitting public comments when DSHS rulemaking begins.
- Stakeholder & Agency Meetings – working directly with decision-makers to advocate for sensible, science-based rules.
- Public Education – deploying fact sheets, myth-vs-fact handouts, and social media content to counter misinformation.
- Coalition Building – uniting farmers, veterans, consumers, and small business owners to show broad support for maintaining access.
- Responsible Marketing & Business Practices – as stakeholders, it is critical we lead responsibly during this process. Poor practices now could fuel arguments for prohibition.
⚠️ Your engagement is critical. THBC will provide action steps in the coming weeks so every stakeholder can make their voice heard.
Final Thoughts
Executive Order GA-56 is a turning point for the Texas hemp industry. The immediate 21+ age restriction is soon to be implemented in the coming days, while the broader rules will be shaped over the coming months. This is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to show policymakers that Texas hemp businesses are committed to safety, responsibility, and economic growth.
The Texas Hemp Business Council will continue to represent and defend all aspects of the industry — from farmers to retailers — as this process unfolds.
