TABC adopts emergency rules prohibiting sale of consumable hemp products to minors and requiring age verification

AUSTIN - The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) adopted two emergency rules today that prohibit TABC-licensed businesses from selling consumable hemp products to customers under 21 and require them to check a customer's ID before completing the sale.

Both rules became effective immediately after they were adopted at TABC's Sept. 23 commission meeting and submitted by the agency to the Texas Register earlier today. Enforcement of the new rules will begin Oct. 1.

The emergency rules are part of TABC's implementation of Executive Order GA-56, which requires the agency - along with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) - to enforce a prohibition on selling consumable hemp products to minors, among other requirements. The order was issued by Gov. Greg Abbott on Sept. 10.

"TABC has a statutory responsibility to ensure its license holders do not impede the general welfare, health, and safety of Texas communities," TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. "The commission's actions today are a reasonable measure within its authority to help protect children across this state. As TABC works to enforce these new rules, we'll be providing the alcoholic beverage industry with education and resources to help them comply and conduct responsible sales of consumable hemp products."

TABC Administrative Rule 51.1 prohibits TABC license and permit holders from selling, offering to sell, serving, or delivering consumable hemp products to a person under 21, while Administrative Rule 51.2 requires these businesses to check a customer's ID to verify their age before selling them a consumable hemp product. Businesses found in violation of the rules will have their TABC license or permit canceled. View both rules here.

Both emergency rules will be effective for 120 days with an optional 60-day extension if necessary. The rules will undergo the standard rulemaking process this fall, with the rules expected to be proposed at the Commission's November meeting and then formally adopted in January 2026.

More information about TABC's regulation of consumable hemp products and other actions to comply with the directives in Executive Order GA-56 can be found on the agency's new Consumable Hemp Products page.

For information on licensing and registration, labeling, and other regulations for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumable hemp, visit the DSHS Consumable Hemp Program page. To learn more about growing, harvesting, handling, and transporting industrial hemp, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture's Industrial Hemp Program page.

Media Contact:

Chris Porter TABC Director of [email protected]