<h2>Texas Governor's New Executive Order Targets Youth Access to Hemp Products</h2>
<p>In an assertive move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order directing the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take decisive action in restricting minors from accessing hemp-derived products. This initiative is designed to protect the welfare of young Texans while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines and respecting the rights of responsible adult consumers.</p>
<p>Governor Abbott's executive order comes in the wake of the state Legislature's failure to pass a law preventing individuals under 21 from purchasing hemp products. The governor emphasized the necessity of safeguarding children, suggesting that comprehensive regulations similar to those governing alcohol and tobacco are required. His order ensures that immediate measures are in place to secure consumer safety and transparency in product testing and labeling.</p>
<h3>Action Steps for Regulatory Bodies</h3>
<p>The executive order mandates the DSHS and TABC to enforce sales prohibitions to minors and require age verification at retail outlets, with license revocations as a penalty for non-compliance. Additionally, DSHS is tasked with reviewing and potentially revising existing rules to enhance testing, labeling, and recordkeeping practices, thereby improving consumer awareness and facilitating regulatory oversight.</p>
<p>The order also prescribes coordinated efforts among DSHS, TABC, and DPS to intensify enforcement activities statewide, collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure adherence to the new regulations. Further plans are underway to conduct a comprehensive study, led by agencies including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, evaluating a regulatory framework that aligns with the principles of House Bill 309.</p>
<h2>SABER Advocates for State Regulation of Synthetic Hemp Cannabinoids</h2>
<p>The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) has announced its support for recent legislative measures in several states, including Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, aiming to regulate synthetic hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, and HHC. These laws represent important strides toward controlling products that pose unmonitored risks to the public.</p>
<p>According to Thomas Brendler, PhD, and member of SABER's Steering Committee, the focus on science-based regulations is crucial, urging further adoption by additional states and federal regulators. The push for oversight comes amid increased concerns over the potential dangers of these compounds when marketed without proper regulation.</p>
<h3>The Path Forward for Texas Cannabis Policy</h3>
<p>Reflective of a measured approach, Governor Abbott recently vetoed Senate Bill 3, a legislative proposal seeking to ban hemp-derived THC products in Texas. Highlighting the bill's constitutional challenges and potential delay, Abbott emphasized his commitment to prioritizing protective measures for minors over outright prohibition.</p>
<p>Industry voices, including those from the Texas Hemp Business Council and the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, applauded the governor's decision. They underscored the detrimental effects the bill might have had on the business landscape, advocating for regulation as a more balanced solution. The state's lieutenant governor echoed concerns over the marketing practices employed by some retailers, which have targeted youth with deceptively packaged products.</p>
<p>Tags: #CannabisNews #HempRegulations #CBDIndustry #CannabisPolicy #TexasCannabis</p>