The bill introduced by VanDeaver seeks to regulate consumable hemp products and their hemp-derived cannabinoids in Texas. It clarifies definitions, including "consumable hemp product" as suitable for human ingestion, and establishes a new definition for "minor" as anyone under 21 years of age. The legislation exempts certain hemp products, particularly those containing only FDA-recognized safe hemp seed-derived ingredients, from these regulations. It also creates a subchapter that specifies the non-applicability of the chapter to low-THC cannabis, educational research, and the cultivation and transportation of hemp.

Additionally, the bill requires manufacturers and retailers of consumable hemp products to obtain licenses and registrations, with fees set at $10,000 for processing locations and $20,000 for retail locations. It mandates testing for cannabinoid concentration and contaminants, and registration with the department, which will maintain a public list of approved products. The bill prohibits the sale of products containing cannabinoids other than cannabidiol or cannabigerol and establishes penalties for violations, including license revocation for individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances. It also introduces criminal offenses for distributing unregistered consumable hemp products and selling to minors, with various penalties and community service requirements for offenders. The executive commissioner is tasked with implementing these regulations, which aim to enhance consumer safety and prevent misleading marketing practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 431.011, Health and Safety Code 443.001, Health and Safety Code 443.051, Health and Safety Code 443.104, Health and Safety Code 443.151, Health and Safety Code 443.152, Health and Safety Code 443.2025, Health and Safety Code 443.203, Health and Safety Code 443.204, Health and Safety Code 443.205, Health and Safety Code 443.206, Health and Safety Code 443.207 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 443)