Texas to Enforce New THC Rules Starting Wednesday
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has announced that it will begin enforcing new emergency rules regarding hemp-derived THC products starting Wednesday. The rules aim to prevent minors from accessing these products, which have been linked to negative impacts on young brains and overall public safety.
The new rules prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under the age of 21 and require age verification for all sales. Violations of the rules can result in the cancellation of a business’s TABC permit or license.
The rules were issued in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order, which was signed on September 10. The order mandates that sales of hemp-derived products be prohibited to minors, and that sales be restricted near schools, churches, and other sensitive locations.
The TABC has also implemented enhanced testing and increased fees for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of hemp-derived products. The State Health Department will work with the TABC to regulate the industry and ensure compliance with the new rules.
The new regulations have been met with criticism from some, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who has argued that the rules do not go far enough to address the issue of THC regulation. However, Governor Abbott has maintained that the rules are necessary to protect public safety and prevent minors from accessing these products.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active chemical compound in cannabis that produces a “high” when consumed. Hemp, on the other hand, contains a wide range of CBD and psychoactive THC derivatives in negligible amounts. The THC derivatives, such as delta-8 and THC-A, can be extracted from legal hemp and concentrated into effective volumes.
The booming industry of legal THC products has created a controversy, with some critics arguing that it is a dangerous and unregulated result of a carelessly created legal loophole, while others argue that it provides medical benefits for veterans and others suffering from PTSD and comparable afflictions.
The new rules are intended to address the concerns surrounding THC regulation and ensure that the industry is safe and responsible. With enforcement beginning on Wednesday, businesses and consumers alike will need to comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties.
