In accordance with an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has released new emergency rules regulating the sale of THC products.
The two new rules have been adopted by the TABC after Abbott demanded that regulations be put in place to ensure THC is inaccessible to minors.
Businesses are now prohibited from selling products containing THC to anyone under the age of 21 and must verify a purchaser’s age by viewing their government-issued ID.
A violation of either of these rules will result in the revocation of a business’ TABC license.
“The license or permit holder will not be allowed to serve a suspension or pay a civil fine in lieu of the license or permit cancellation,” according to the announcement. “TABC recognizes that cancellation of a license or permit is a severe sanction, but the agency believes a significant sanction is warranted in order to effectively prevent [consumable hemp product] sales to minors.”
Reasons given for the implementation of the rules include an increased risk of suicide, injury to young developing brains, and a higher high school dropout rate among teens who consume THC.
During the regular and both special legislative sessions, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prioritized legislation in the Senate that would put a total ban on the sale of THC, unlike Abbott’s executive order which only restricts the use of the substance.
Patrick has continually argued that regulating instead of banning THC will lead to its legalization.
Abbott’s executive order also bans the sale of THC by stores within a 1,000 foot radius of a school or church. It further requires a stronger product safety rules and increased oversight of licensing.
The new rules took effect immediately on Tuesday but will not be enforced by the agency until October 1.
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