The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has adopted, on an emergency basis, the following new rules for Chapter 51; new rule 16 TAC §51.1, relating to Prohibited Sales of Consumable Hemp Products to Minors; and new rule 16 TAC §51.2, relating to Mandatory Age Verification for Consumable Hemp Product Sales. The emergency rules are effective September 23, 2025. TABC will not begin to enforce the rules until October 1, 2025. TABC will take this extra time to notify affected businesses of the new restrictions and requirements in these rules.
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.
TABC took this action during their meeting yesterday to implement Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-56. Of note this emergency rule may not be in effect for longer than 180 days total. TABC intends to propose these or similar rules under the normal rulemaking process and will consider any additional action necessary in the event unforeseen issues arise with the adopted sections. Future rulemaking may also provide additional guidance.
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.
