Texas DPS to Increase Enforcement of New THC Rules

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase enforcement on new rules that Governor issued on Hemp sales.

Targeted Inspections and Undercover Operations Coming to Texas Smoke and Vape Shops

Abbott has said the goal of his orders on Hemp sales is to protect children. Under this new directive, DPS is set to toughen their actions against vape shops and smoke shops according to FOX7Austin.

The actions that the Governor has called Texas DPS to take include undercover operations at targeted smoke and vape shops. Also, any seized products will be tested by the DPS Crime Lab according to FOX7Austin.

• DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) will conduct targeted operations to identify vape and smoke shops of concern, then work with state, local, and federal partners, to perform inspections to determine legal violations.
• DPS CID Special Agents will leverage findings from these inspections to conduct undercover operations to identify unlawful activity, as well as initiate further criminal investigations.
• The DPS Crime Lab will conduct testing on any seized products from these investigations. CID Special Agents will follow up the investigations to bring charges against employees and shop ownership in violation of Texas law.
• DPS will leverage all federal and local law enforcement partnerships to further these investigations.

Other New THC Rules in Texas

Shops that sell hemp derived THC products, whether it's instore or online must verify that customers are 21 or older. If they do not verify that customers are of age, they could lose their license to operate.

Sales near schools, churches, and other "sensitive locations" are not allowed under the Governor's order. Stores can't operate within 1,000 feet of those locations.