As we move into the new year, the Texas hemp industry is entering a critical period of regulatory activity that will directly impact businesses across the state. In light of recent conversations with members, ongoing agency action, and growing confusion in the marketplace, we want to provide clear, accurate information about what is happening, what is not happening, and how stakeholders can appropriately engage in the process.

Below is an overview of the upcoming Department of State Health Services (DSHS) public hearing, current rulemaking activity, and how the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) is representing the industry during this phase. Our goal is to ensure members are informed, prepared, and aligned as the state moves forward with implementation and interpretation of recent directives.

    1. The Department of State Health Services will be holding a Public Hearing on January 9, 2026, from 9 am- 1 pm at the John H. Winters Building in the Public Health Room. 1st floor 701 West 51st Street.
    2. Please see the attached notice from DSHS with instructions for written, or oral comment (whether in person or virtually):
    3. The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) will be submitting comments on behalf of the industry- however, your individual views/insights and experiences are, also welcomed and appreciated. Please keep your comments respectful. For those wishing to present oral comments (whether virtually or in person) dress professionally- don’t play into the false characterizations of our industry that our opponents promote.
    4. THBC has submitted a second round of written comments to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on behalf of the industry. View Comments:
    5. It is important for businesses and consumers to participate in public comment on rules that will bring harm to the industry. Please use this flyer in your stores to activate consumers.

Clarification

    1. Governor Abbott vetoed a legislative ban and issued Executive Order GA-56, which directs certain state agencies (TABC and DSHS)  to adopt rules regulating the hemp industry.
    2. Age-gate rules: Pursuant to GA-56, two state agencies (DSHS and TABC) have adopted emergency rules prohibiting sales to minors and requiring ID checks. Status: effective immediately. 
    3. Other new rules: DSHS has proposed additional rules that cover issues like licensing/registration fees, “Total THC” limits (inclusive of THCA), labeling and packaging requirements, record keeping, and inspections and enforcement. These rules are not yet in effect, but DSHS will be holding meetings in the coming months to discuss and potentially adopt them. Status: work in progress; stay tuned. 

In short, except for new age-gate rules, the law remains relatively unchanged until DSHS adopts additional rules in the coming months. THBC will be representing the entire industry during this process, but your individual involvement remains important as well. We encourage you to submit comments to DSHS in accordance with the agency’s directive for the January 9th  hearing.

Note:  is possible that local law enforcement or agency personnel may try to enforce more aggressive interpretations of existing law during this transition period. If threatened with enforcement, you should immediately seek guidance from legal counsel.

Supporting Industry Representation

The Texas Hemp Business Council is the only statewide trade association dedicated to representing the full hemp industry throughout the legislative process and ongoing agency rulemaking.

Effective representation requires sustained resources. As state agencies move forward with rule development that will directly impact how our industry operates, your support is critical to ensuring those rules are informed by real-world business experience, science, and sound policy.

Contribute to THBC Hemp Advocacy

We respectfully ask members to consider contributing to THBC’s advocacy efforts so we can continue to engage with regulators, submit formal comments, and advocate for fair, workable regulations on behalf of the industry. These rules carry the force of law, and our presence in this process is essential to protecting the future of hemp in Texas.

If you are able, please consider making a contribution using the link below. Your support directly enables THBC to continue this work on behalf of the entire industry.

Donate or Become a Member