Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary is among the many retailers statewide that already has policies in place that require customers to be 21 to enter the store.
SAN ANTONIO — The evolving hemp industry in Texas could soon face new regulations, including the implementation of an age requirement for the sale and purchase of THC-infused products.
Gov. Greg Abbott is considering an executive order that would establish age restrictions and other rules for the sale of THC products, according to reporting by the Texas Tribune.
Alex Abdul, who owns Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary in San Antonio, expressed support for the potential executive order, noting how his business already has policies in place that fall in line with some of Abbott’s proposals.
“We welcome these executive orders. This is great for our industry,” Abdul said.
Signs on the storefront window inform customers they must be at least 21 years old to enter and purchase THC products.
Abdul stressed his main concern is keeping children safe so he welcomes the age requirement potentially being made official.
“Some of the products in here can get you really intoxicated or high, and I believe you should be 21 to consume those products,” Abdul said. “Some underage children can get their hands on some of the products. That’s our biggest concern, some 12 or 13 year old buying gummies. They don’t know the dosage, they take the whole bag.”
Abdul canceled plans to move manufacturing of products to Oklahoma after Texas lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 3, which aimed to ban all forms of THC, an effort championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. However, Abbott vetoed the measure in the second special legislative session, citing the prospect of extensive litigation in conflict with federal law and his desire for regulation over outright prohibition of THC.
The governor’s veto proclamation suggested that regulations could include distance requirements for CBD retailers operating near schools, churches, and parks. The executive order might also set limits on store hours, restricting hemp product sales to between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. while prohibited on Sundays.
For now, the timeline remains uncertain. Governor Abbott has not yet said when he will issue the executive order.