Updates in Three States: Maine, Pennsylvania, and Texas

Maine

In Maine, lawmakers have advanced LD 1920, an emergency bill that would prohibit the sale of potentially intoxicating hemp products to individuals under the age of 21. The bill passed both chambers and is now in the final enactment stage.

Because it is classified as an emergency measure, LD 1920 must receive two-thirds support in both chambers during enactment votes to become law. The House met that threshold Tuesday night with a unanimous 143-0 vote. The Senate has not yet voted on enactment, and that vote will determine whether the bill takes immediate effect.

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable supports efforts to prevent youth access while ensuring responsible regulation for adults. We are monitoring the final vote closely to ensure that the measure is implemented in a way that protects both public safety and Maine’s hemp industry.

Pennsylvania

New legislation in Pennsylvania could shape the future of hemp regulation in the state. This week, Senator Dan Laughlin introduced SB 120, which will work in tandem with SB 49, a bill establishing a Cannabis Control Board. While the scope of the board’s authority is not yet fully defined, early indications suggest it may lean heavily toward marijuana-centered regulation.

Meanwhile, Rep. Steve Malagari, a long-time hemp supporter, is actively exploring updates to his current legislation, initially focused on beverages, to include a broader hemp regulatory framework.

Our allied industry advocates are in ongoing discussions and are working closely with various state departments to steer hemp regulation toward a supportive administrative framework, while pushing back on proposals that could unfairly restrict the industry. Importantly, Senators on both sides of the aisle are working to align regulatory agencies in the coming month to create a cohesive framework that would help lay the foundation for fair oversight for hemp products.

Stay tuned as we continue this multi-pronged effort and prepare for a potential call to action in the weeks ahead 

Texas

Texas lawmakers will return to Austin on July 21 for a special session, and hemp is on the agenda. Governor Greg Abbott’s official proclamation includes two separate line items focused on hemp-derived THC products, making clear that the issue will be front and center.

One item calls for legislation to make it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to individuals under age 21, while the second urges the development of a regulatory framework for these products. This aligns closely with the Governor’s veto message on SB 3 last month, in which he emphasized the need for strict, fair, and legally sustainable rules.

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable will be actively engaged throughout the special session to ensure that any legislation reflects common-sense regulation, not prohibition. We are grateful to Governor Abbott for recognizing the importance of balancing public safety and industry viability, and we look forward to working with lawmakers to craft thoughtful, enforceable policy.

Stay tuned for opportunities to take action as legislation is introduced and hearings are scheduled.