Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order directing state agencies to tighten oversight of hemp-derived products, including a ban on sales to anyone under 21.
The governor said on social media that this act means safety for children and freedom for adults.
The governor signed the ban on hemp products to anyone under 21, as expected, following a Texas Legislative Session and two special sessions where lawmakers in Austin were not able to send something to the Governor's desk.
The order requires retailers to verify government-issued ID's at the point of sale and businesses that fail to comply could lose their licenses.
The directive also calls for stronger testing and labeling requirements, higher licensing fees to fund enforcement, and improved recordkeeping to assist oversight by the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Department of Public Safety.