Gov. Greg Abbott Orders Ban on THC Products for Minors

THC products will remain legal for adults in Texas, but minors will soon be prohibited from purchasing them under a new executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott.

On Wednesday, Abbott directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to:

• Prohibit the sale of THC products to anyone under 21 (age limit details still pending).

• Require ID verification for all customers.

• Revoke permits for retailers that violate the order.

“Safety for kids, freedom for adults,” Abbott wrote in a post on X, highlighting his position that minors should be shielded from THC while adults retain access.

Why This Matters

The governor’s order bypasses the months of gridlock at the Capitol, where lawmakers failed to agree on how to regulate the rapidly growing hemp and THC industry. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pushed for a complete ban, calling THC a “poison in our public,” while Abbott has consistently resisted outlawing products for adults.

Patrick criticized the order on Friday, arguing it emboldens the industry and could pave the way for marijuana legalization in Texas — something he and the Senate remain firmly against.

What Happens Next

Abbott’s order sets the following steps in motion:

• Rulemaking: DSHS and TABC must immediately begin crafting new regulations.

• Review Period: Within 10 business days, DSHS must consider stricter labeling and testing requirements, as well as higher licensing fees to support enforcement.

• Cross-Agency Oversight: DSHS, TABC, the Department of Public Safety, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will work together to design a comprehensive regulatory framework.

The governor referenced House Bill 309, a proposal from the second special session that would have established a Texas Hemp Council, introduced stricter sales restrictions, and expanded enforcement authority. However, HB 309 failed to gain traction in the Senate.

What Texans Should Expect

For now, the executive order does not specify when the new restrictions will take effect or what the exact age limit will be. Still, Abbott has consistently called for setting the threshold at 21 years old.

The changes could also bring:

• Clearer labeling and testing of THC products.

• Increased penalties for businesses selling to minors.

• Expanded oversight similar to how alcohol and tobacco are regulated.

Abbott emphasized the urgency of the move, saying:
“Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families … my executive order makes sure that kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now.”

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