Overview

• Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order limits hemp-derived THC sales to adults 21 and over and directs TABC and DSHS to craft rules on ID checks, testing and labeling, with changes expected to tighten concentration limits that could curb smokable flower.
• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the directive would legitimize a booming industry and create a massive taxpayer-funded regulatory program, revealing talks had stalled after tentative agreement on barring licenses for smoke shops and convenience stores and banning synthetics like Delta-8.
• Allen Police Chief Steve Dye argued the order will not solve rampant mislabeling or high potency sales, citing undercover buys at North Texas vape shops that tested at 72% to 79% THC against the 0.3% legal limit for hemp.
• Hemp retailers and policy advocates welcomed the regulatory approach as a practical win that preserves businesses while adding accountability through age checks, stricter labels and higher fees.
• State agencies now move into rulemaking as questions persist about enforcement resources and continued political friction between the governor, the lieutenant governor and law enforcement groups.