Breaking: Texas Governor Greg Abbott Creates Hemp Regulations Through Executive Order

STATEMENT OF JONATHAN MILLER, GENERAL COUNSEL, U.S. HEMP ROUNDTABLE

We are thrilled to report that the long tortuous debate over hemp in Texas has landed on the appropriate position:  Robust regulation, not misguided prohibition.  After vetoing in June the hemp-killing SB3, and watching the legislature fail to take action in two successive special sessions,  Governor Greg signed Executive Order GA-56 today which orders state agencies to establish a 21 and over age limit on hemp product sales and to review and revise testing and labeling standards for hemp products.

We are currently analyzing the text of the order, and will follow developments closely to ensure that there are no unintended consequences therein.  We particularly understand that some are concerned about the impact of testing requirements on some hemp products. 

But we are deeply grateful for the dedication Gov. Abbott has shown to ensure that the children of Texas are kept safe from impairing products, while protecting the thriving hemp agri-industry and the rights of veterans and seniors to access products that they rely on for their health and wellness.

We hope Congress and other states take note by passing smart regulation for hemp and hemp-derived products, while rejecting efforts to completely ban them.  We are proud of our small part in this victory — our SB3 Veto Campaign sent over 50,000 emails to Gov. Abbott urging him to veto SB3 – while recognizing the key hard work on the ground was taken by Texas hemp organizations and companies, including many from the Roundtable.

Read the Executive Order here.