September 28, 2025

Texas Issues Immediate 21+ Age Gate and Hemp Business Regulations

Home > Blog > Texas Issues Immediate 21+ Age Gate and Hemp Business Regulations

Key Takeaways

Texas has implemented immediate age restrictions for hemp-derived THC products, requiring purchasers to be 21 or older with a government-issued ID for both online and in-store sales, effective October 1, 2025.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are introducing new regulations and enforcement measures, including penalties, licensing changes, and product standards, though some rules, like THC potency limits and the legality of hemp flower, remain undecided.
While these changes primarily impact businesses, consumers should expect stricter enforcement when shopping in stores and stay informed about potential future bans on hemp flower, supporting compliance by always carrying a valid ID when purchasing.

On September 10, 2025, Governor Greg Abbot issued Executive Order GA-56, implementing immediate restrictions on hemp-derived products to protect minors. Then, on September 23, 2025, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) moved quickly to adopt emergency rules that carry severe penalties for businesses that don't comply.

So what's going on with the hemp industry in Texas with these new rules in place, and how will this affect Lone Star cannabis enthusiasts?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about these upcoming changes, which will be enforced starting on October 1, 2025.

Immediate Age Restrictions

If you've been following us on this ride for a while, you'd know that we've long advocated an official 21+ age restriction on hemp-derived THC products. After all, we've printed "21+" on our child-proof packaging and implemented an age-check verification process online years before it was even required.

The only difference now is that it's official, as mandated by the executive order, that businesses in Texas can only sell to persons 21 and older, and all sales (online and in-store) require a government-issued ID for purchases.

So what does that mean for you? If you shop online with Hometown Hero, verifying your age at checkout is business as usual, but if you do go to a store, remember to have a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport, for example) with you.

Broader Rules

Although the TABC is now involved, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) continues to oversee the majority of rules regarding businesses that offer consumable hemp products. The governor has tasked the DSHS to launch a full review of the following areas:

Youth Access & Enforcement

License cancellations for those who sell products to minors and adults under 21
Limiting the distance someone can sell hemp-derived THC near a school

Product Standards

THC testing protocols
Labeling rules
Child-resistant packaging

Business Oversight

New licensing fees
Record-keeping requirements
Legality of hemp flower (for example, THCA flower)

Relevance for Consumers

So... how would this affect you?

Many of the items listed above primarily affect businesses rather than consumers. Just as we already require proof that a customer is 21 or older, we also already provide full-panel lab tests for all our products from a DEA-certified laboratory and secure them in child-resistant packaging.

What is at stake on your end is the legality of hemp flower (if you partake). As of this writing, it is still unknown whether Texas will ban flower products. We don't currently sell this product, anyway, but if you're worried about what to replace your blunt or joint with, we would be happy to provide you with alternatives.

Industry Concerns

While we are 110% behind age restrictions, lab testing, and child-resistant packaging, a few things about this process have raised our eyebrows.

Severity of Penalties

Unlike the alcohol industry, which allows for fines or suspensions, a hemp business can have its license cancelled immediately for one mistake.

Scope of Enforcement

TABC only regulates businesses it already licenses, and most hemp shops fall under DSHS oversight, meaning enforcement will be uneven until DSHS adopts matching rules.

Uncertain Standards

Potency limits, flower legality, and new fees are still undefined, which creates confusion for businesses preparing to comply.

The Future of Texas Hemp

Overall, we can't tell you how happy we are that, for now, Texas is moving to a path of regulation rather than prohibition (though we still must stay vigilant for the 2027 Legislative Session). And we’re glad measures like age restrictions, lab-testing, and child-resistant packaging are becoming the standard (as they always should have been).

On your end, just remember to help out your local retailers and businesses by always having a government-issued ID with you when you purchase hemp-derived products in person.

There's still a lot up in the air right now, and we wish we could tell you more. As Lukas stated earlier, the next TABC meeting regarding hemp will occur around mid-November, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on any developments.