Texas Bans Cannabis Products for Minors

OG Article By Taylor Sansom

September 17 2025

Overview

Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order on Sept. 10, 2025, banning cannabis and hemp-derived product sales to minors in Texas. The order regulates sales but does not ban the products outright.

Key Points

• Age Restriction: Retailers must verify customer age. Violators face permit revocation.

• Abbott’s Stance: “Safety for kids, freedom for adults,” he stated on X.

• Hemp Market: Legal since the 2018 Farm Bill, products must contain ≤0.3% Delta-9 THC.

• Critics’ Concerns: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Charles Perry argue the order fails to address potent cannabis products. Patrick claims it endorses the current market.

Industry Impact

• Retail Perspective: Chase Whitworth, Artisan Vapor and CBD manager, supports the order as a fair compromise but fears stricter rules could harm small businesses.

• Economic Context: Whitney Economics reports common hemp products include THCA, Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, CBD, and CBG.

Health Risks

• CDC Warning: Cannabis use before age 18 may impair brain development, affecting memory, learning, and attention, with potentially permanent effects.

Legislative Background

• Senate Bill 3: Vetoed by Abbott in June 2025, it aimed to criminalize all consumable hemp products, creating legal uncertainty for farmers.

• Ongoing Debate: Perry vows to continue fighting for stronger protections, calling the age restriction insufficient on X.

Enforcement

• Agencies Involved: The Department of State Health Services and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will enforce age limits and review labeling, testing, and fees.

• Timeline: Rule reviews begin within 10 business days.

Supporter’s View

• Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner, praises Abbott for balancing youth protection with adult rights.

Concerns

• Business Impact: Whitworth warns that small retailers may struggle if bans tighten.

• Loophole: Critics argue the order allows potent cannabis products to remain accessible.