Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission bans THC sales to under-21s, mandates ID checks

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has implemented emergency rules banning the sale of consumable hemp-based THC products to individuals under 21, effective immediately with enforcement starting October 1. These rules, mandated by Governor Greg Abbott's executive order, require retailers to verify customers' ages through valid government-issued photo IDs and impose license revocation for violations. The regulations mark a shift from prohibition toward regulation in Texas's hemp industry, receiving support from industry stakeholders like hemp farmer Aaron Owens. Some advocates have called for even stricter measures, including raising the minimum purchase age to 25 and requiring ID checks for online sales. The emergency rules will remain in effect for up to 180 days while TABC works on formalizing permanent rules, aiming for adoption in January 2026. TABC is also coordinating with the Department of State Health Services to ensure comprehensive enforcement across all hemp license holders.