Administrative Rulemaking: Timeline and Resources

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New Medical Cannabis Regulations

• Rules for the satellite location application process.
• Rules for satellite location design and security requirements.
• Rules for a timeline for reviewing and taking action on applications submitted.
  • DPS must act on application submitted within 180 days
• Rules to monitor whether a dispensing organization is using a license and to revoke the license of a dispensing organization that does not dispense low-THC cannabis within the time required (24 months).
• New rules adopted October 2025.

New Medical Cannabis Licensing

• At least 9 New Licenses by December 1, 2025
  • Chosen from existing pool of applicants
• Remaining New Licenses (to hit 15 total) by April 1, 2026
  • May be chosen from existing pool or new applicants
• Licensing Window Open - Closed September 15.
  • Learn more about the licensing process here and here. 

Current DPS Rules and Regulations for the Texas Compassionate Use Program: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/compassionate-use-program/laws-regulations

New Medical Cannabis Regulations

• Rules to create a process for doctors to submit requests for DSHS to include a recommendation for additional qualifying conditions in their report to the legislature.
• Rules relating to approve medical devices for pulmonary inhalation.
• Rules establishing a reasonable timeline for reviewing and granting approval for medical devices for pulmonary inhalation.
• New rules must be adopted by October 1, 2025.
• New Proposed Rules and Public Comment: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0905/0905is.pdf

Current DSHS TCUP Rules for Incurable Neurodegenerative Diseases.

New Consumable Hemp Regulation 

On Oct. 3, DSHS adopted emergency rules that prohibit licensed and registered sellers of consumable hemp products from selling them to anyone under age 21. The rules, approved by Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young, are effective immediately and can be found in the Texas Register at Rule §300.701 and Rule §300.702.

The emergency rules are DSHS’s first step in implementing Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order GA-56 to protect children from hemp and hemp-derived products. The rules define a minor as a person under 21 years of age, require consumable hemp sellers to verify purchasers have a valid ID that shows they are at least 21 years old, and provide for penalties including the revocation of a license or registration for violations.

The emergency rules may remain in effect for up to 120 days with the possibility of one 60-day extension. At the same time, DSHS has begun the process of proposing permanent rules to implement the age requirement and other aspects of the Governor’s executive order. As part of that process, the public will have an opportunity to provide comments on proposed rules at a public hearing to be scheduled once those rules are published.

Current DSHS  Hemp Rules and Regulations: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/consumable-hemp-program

New THC Regulations and Enforcement

Governor Abbott's Executive Order directs the following agency actions:

• DSHS and TABC must ban sales to minors and require verification of government-issued ID at the point of sale, with failure to do so resulting in the loss of a retailer’s license.
• DSHS, TABC, and DPS must coordinate and increase enforcement across the state, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.
• TABC, DSHS, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and other agencies will conduct a study on a comprehensive regulatory model similar to House Bill 309. 

Read the Governor’s Executive Order here. 

On Sept. 23, TABC adopted new emergency rules to prohibit the sale of hemp products to anyone under the age of 21. Read more here. 

TABC has launched a new webpage to keep stakeholders updated on their progress.