Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an government order on Wednesday directing state businesses to ban the sale of THC merchandise to minors, after state lawmakers failed to succeed in an settlement on restrictions this 12 months.
“Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families,” Abbott stated in a press release. “While these products would still benefit from the kind of comprehensive regulation set by the Texas Legislature for substances like alcohol and tobacco, my executive order makes sure that kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now, and that consumers know the products they purchase are tested and labeled responsibly.”
Marijuana stays unlawful in Texas, however the state has moved in recent times to permit the sale of hemp-derived merchandise with decrease ranges of THC, together with edibles and infused drinks.
Abbott had pressed the state Legislature to ban the sale of hemp merchandise to clients below the age of 21 throughout two particular periods earlier this 12 months however the effort stalled in each. The governor vetoed laws accredited within the common session, citing “valid constitutional challenges” as a result of it could influence the power of farmers to domesticate authorized hemp.
Abbott has harassed that he did not need to solely outlaw THC merchandise.
“Safety for kids, freedom for adults,” he wrote in a submit on X saying his government order.
Abbott’s order requires the Division of State Well being Providers (DSHS) and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Fee (TABC) to draft agency-level guidelines to implement the ban.
The order additionally directs DSHS, TABC, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and different related businesses to work to create a regulatory framework for hemp-based merchandise within the state.
