Texas Senate Committee to Hold Public Hearing July 22 on Bill That Would Ban Most Hemp-Derived THC Products

Hemp THC gummies.

The measure, filed at the start of the special legislative session by State Senator Charles Perry (R), would outlaw the manufacture, sale, or possession of consumable hemp products containing cannabinoids other than cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG). That includes popular compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, THCO, and THCA derived from hemp. Criminal penalties would range from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies depending on the offense. Retailers would be required to pay a $20,000 annual registration fee per location, while manufacturers would face a $10,000 licensing fee per site. Each product would also need to be registered with the state individually for a $500 fee, accompanied by photographs and QR codes linked to lab results verified by the state. Products not properly registered would be illegal to possess, and law enforcement would be empowered to conduct unannounced inspections.

The bill would also prohibit sales of hemp-derived cannabinoid products to anyone under 21 and ban any packaging or advertising that appeals to minors. Mail-order and delivery sales would be outlawed entirely, and retail locations would be barred from operating within 1,000 feet of a school.

SB 5 comes on the heels of Governor Greg Abbott’s veto of a similar measure last month, where he cited constitutional concerns and economic impacts. However, he urged lawmakers to return with a bill that includes licensing, product testing, age limits, and strict packaging requirements—leading to the current version now under consideration.