The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has adopted emergency rules that ban the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under the age of 21. The decision, approved by Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young, is effective immediately.
These new regulations are DSHS’s initial response to Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order aimed at protecting minors from exposure to hemp and hemp-derived items. Under the emergency rules, a minor is defined as anyone younger than 21 years old. Licensed and registered sellers are now required to check valid identification to confirm that purchasers meet the age requirement. Penalties for violating these rules include potential revocation of a seller’s license or registration.
The emergency measures can remain in place for up to 120 days, with a possible extension of an additional 60 days. Meanwhile, DSHS has started working on permanent rules that would enforce the age limit and address other elements outlined in the Governor’s order. The public will have an opportunity to comment during a hearing once proposed permanent rules are published.
Those holding consumable hemp licenses or retail hemp registrations are encouraged to monitor updates regarding rule development and implementation.
