Texas Regulators Move Forward with Hemp Rules Despite Federal Restrictions
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has announced plans to move forward with permanent regulations on the hemp industry, despite federal restrictions that could criminalize most consumable hemp products in the state. The federal restrictions, which were included in a recent funding bill, ban the sale of hemp-derived products with more than 0.4 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element found in marijuana.
The TABC’s proposed rules would replace emergency rules adopted in September, which prohibited the sale of THC products to anyone under the age of 21. The new rules would allow for the sale of hemp products to adults, but would impose stricter regulations on the industry, including mandatory ID verification at the point of sale and stricter age restrictions.
The TABC’s decision comes despite concerns from advocates and trade representatives that the federal restrictions could put the state’s hemp industry at odds with federal law. The industry is worth an estimated $8 billion in Texas, and advocates argue that the state’s regulations should be allowed to stand.
“We understand that this is still a conversation that is happening at the federal level,” said Shaun Salvaje, a veteran who uses consumable hemp products and an advocate for cannabis reform. “You have a unique opportunity to regulate an industry that is built by Texans for Texans.”
The TABC’s proposed rules will be open for public comment until January 4, and the commission will vote on the formal adoption of the regulations in January. The state’s Department of State Health Services has also approved emergency rules that require sellers of consumable hemp to verify the age of customers using a valid ID.
The federal restrictions on hemp-derived products are part of a larger debate over the legalization of marijuana and other cannabis products. While some states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, it remains illegal under federal law. The debate has become more bipartisan in recent years, with some Republicans and Democrats supporting legalization.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has taken a more nuanced approach to the issue, vetoing a legislative ban on hemp products and directing the TABC and the Department of State Health Services to impose stricter regulations on the industry. The state’s hemp industry is expected to continue to grow, despite the federal restrictions, and advocates are planning to lobby for changes to the federal law.
“The hemp industry is too vital to the American economy and to the livelihoods of millions to be dismantled by rushed, politically driven legislation,” said the Texas Hemp Business Council in a statement.
