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Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictions | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 10:51 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott to Tighten THC‑Product Rules with New Executive Order

In a move that could reshape the burgeoning legal‑cannabis market in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign an executive order this week that will impose stricter age limits, packaging requirements, and additional restrictions on the sale of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While Texas remains an “illegal‑recreational” state, its medical‑cannabis program has grown considerably in the past decade, and the new regulations aim to address growing concerns about youth access and public safety.

1. Age Limits and Sales Restrictions

The centerpiece of the executive order is a mandate that the minimum age for purchasing any THC‑containing product be raised from the current 21‑year‑old threshold (the age for buying alcohol) to 25. The change is intended to protect adolescents and young adults, who statistics show are the most likely to consume high‑potency edibles and concentrates. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a rise to 25 would place Texas among the most restrictive states in the country for THC products.

The order will also prohibit the sale of THC‑infused products within a 500‑foot radius of schools, parks, and youth‑centered facilities. Dispensaries will be required to maintain a “buffer zone” and will have to provide proof that no such establishments are within the restricted perimeter. This measure echoes a broader national trend, as several states have adopted similar proximity restrictions to reduce adolescent exposure.

2. Packaging and Labeling

Under the new rules, all THC products will have to be packaged in child‑resistant, tamper‑evident containers. The order will specify a minimum of 3‑inch thickness and a lock‑type closure, making it difficult for children to break or open. In addition, labels must include a conspicuous “For adults only” warning, dosage information in milligrams, and a clear bar code that can be scanned by state regulators for real‑time inventory tracking.

A new “THC Labeling Protocol” will require that each product’s contents—such as THC concentration, total gram weight, and any co‑contaminants—be listed in both English and Spanish. The protocol will also mandate the inclusion of a QR code that directs consumers to an interactive website where they can verify the product’s licensed origin and potency. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will oversee compliance and will conduct surprise inspections at an increased frequency.

3. Advertising and Marketing Controls

The executive order introduces new advertising restrictions aimed at curbing promotional tactics that could appeal to minors. Dispensaries and retailers will no longer be allowed to display THC products in windows or outdoor signage that is visible to pedestrians. Moreover, any online marketing—including social‑media posts, email newsletters, or influencer collaborations—must contain a mandatory age‑verification screen that uses biometric or two‑factor authentication.

In addition, the order bans the use of cartoon characters, bright colors, or “edible” themes in THC product branding. The Texas Legislature’s recent bills on cannabis marketing are cited as a model for these provisions. A dedicated task force, co‑led by the Texas Attorney General and the DSHS, will monitor digital advertising to ensure compliance.

4. Operational and Supply‑Chain Requirements

The order also sets new standards for dispensary operations. Retailers will be required to implement a “sales‑history” log that tracks the volume of each product sold per customer. This log must be maintained for at least 24 months and made available to state auditors upon request. The intent is to allow regulators to trace potentially illicit sales and identify patterns of over‑consumption.

To address supply‑chain integrity, the executive order mandates that all THC‑product distributors must obtain a state‑issued “Cannabis Distribution Permit.” The permit process will involve background checks, proof of a valid cultivation license, and an annual audit of inventory records. Any distributor found to be selling to unauthorized dispensaries or to retailers that violate the age and packaging requirements will face immediate revocation of their permit.

5. Stakeholder Reactions

Texas Medical Cannabis Association (TMCA): The TMCA has expressed cautious support for the order, citing concerns over “misleading labeling” and “adolescent over‑exposure.” The association acknowledges that the new age requirement could limit access for patients who rely on cannabis for chronic pain and seizure disorders but notes that the agency is working on a pathway to exempt medical patients with proper documentation.

Texas Cannabis Dispensary Association (TCDA): In contrast, the TCDA has warned that the expanded restrictions could cripple smaller dispensaries. The association argues that the cost of new child‑resistant containers and additional compliance software could exceed the average annual profit margin for many retailers. The TCDA has urged the governor to provide a phased‑implementation schedule and grant funding for compliance upgrades.

Public Health Advocates: A coalition of state health agencies, including the Texas Children’s Health Center, has welcomed the executive order as a “critical step in protecting Texas youth.” They cite data from the Texas Department of State Health Services that shows a 12‑month increase in hospital visits for acute cannabis intoxication among 12‑ to 18‑year‑olds in the past two years.

6. Legal Context and Implementation

The executive order is set to take effect immediately upon issuance, although the Texas Legislature has been debating a companion bill that would codify these provisions into state law. The governor’s office has indicated that the order will be accompanied by a “compliance guide” for dispensaries, available on the DSHS website. The guide will outline step‑by‑step procedures for meeting the new packaging and labeling requirements, and will include a checklist for retailers to ensure that their inventories are compliant by the start of the next fiscal quarter.

The order also clarifies the relationship between state regulations and existing federal law. While the federal government has not endorsed the changes, the governor’s office stresses that the order does not alter the federal status of cannabis but rather establishes a stricter framework within Texas’s legal boundaries.

7. Looking Ahead

With the new executive order in the pipeline, the Texas cannabis industry faces a critical transition period. If the governor’s directives are fully implemented, the state will set a national benchmark for responsible THC distribution—balancing patient access with child‑protection and public safety. As stakeholders adjust to the new rules, the broader conversation about the future of cannabis regulation in Texas will likely intensify. The state’s health agencies, legislators, and industry groups will all be watching closely to assess the impact of these measures on consumer safety, market viability, and public health outcomes.

In the coming weeks, the governor’s office is expected to release the official text of the order and a detailed compliance timetable. Dispensaries, distributors, and healthcare providers should prepare to adapt to the new standards, with the understanding that the order’s primary goal is to create a safer, more transparent environment for all Texans who use cannabis responsibly.