Overview

• Texas DPS’s Criminal Investigations Division will run targeted operations, coordinate inspections with state, local and federal partners, and conduct undercover stings at vape and smoke shops.
• The DPS Crime Lab will test seized products, and special agents will pursue charges against employees or owners found violating state hemp laws.
• The directive follows a Sept. 10 executive order and emergency rules that restrict sales to those 21 and older and mandate ID verification, with enforcement that began Oct. 1.
• DSHS can revoke licenses or registrations for sellers who provide hemp products to under‑21 buyers, with an exception when a minor uses an apparently valid ID.
• TABC is set to consider additional consumable hemp rules Thursday as DPS steps in to cover a manpower gap while longer-term regulatory infrastructure is built.