Texas has rolled out new emergency restrictions on hemp sales, aiming to stop minors from purchasing THC products across the state.
The new rules implemented in late September ban sales to anyone under 21 and require strict ID checks, closing a months-long political fight over hemp regulation that saw Gov. Greg Abbott veto a total THC ban earlier this year.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) approved two emergency rules on Sept. 23. Under Rule 51.1, bars, restaurants, and stores licensed by TABC can no longer sell or deliver consumable hemp products to minors. Rule 51.2 mandates ID verification for every sale, with violations risking immediate license suspension or cancellation — starting on Oct. 1.
“TABC has a statutory responsibility to ensure its license holders do not impede the general welfare, health, and safety of Texas communities,” said TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham.
The new rules were rolled out after Abbott’s Sept. 10 executive order directing TABC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to crack down on underage THC sales. DSHS followed with its own emergency rules on Sept. 27, extending the 21+ restriction to all sellers statewide and allowing license revocation for any violations.
The only legal exception applies when a retailer is deceived by a realistic fake ID, according to TABC guidance.
Both agencies’ emergency rules will last up to 120 days, with a possible 60-day extension, while more permanent THC regulations move through public hearings this fall. Final rules for THC sales are expected to be implemented by January 2026.
Back in June, Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 — a near-total ban pushed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — just hours before it was set to take effect. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the bill could have potentially stripped the hemp industry, which supports tens of thousands of jobs and collects millions in revenue yearly.
The Governor’s veto prompted a July special session, where lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 5 to outlaw most intoxicating cannabinoids, including delta-8 and THC-O, while still allowing CBD and other “non-intoxicating compounds.”
Abbott’s and the TABC’s latest approach could represent progress toward finding a middle ground: banning intoxicating hemp for minors while allowing limited, low-THC products for ID-verified adults.
“The commission’s actions today are a reasonable measure within its authority to help protect children across this state. As TABC works to enforce these new rules, we’ll be providing the alcoholic beverage industry with education and resources to help them comply and conduct responsible sales of consumable hemp products,” Graham added.
