A youth drug awareness group on Friday in Austin, Texas, called on state lawmakers and regulators to increase the legal age to purchase hemp products containing THC across Texas, seeking changes to how retailers sell these items and how the state enforces age restrictions.
The group requested that the state raise the minimum purchase age above the current threshold for buyers of hemp-derived products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Representatives of the organization said they want the age change to apply to all retail locations that sell hemp products with THC, including vape shops, smoke shops, convenience stores and online sellers that ship to Texas customers.
Members of the group stated that they plan to engage with state legislators, health officials and education leaders to promote the proposed age increase during upcoming policy discussions.
The organization said it will distribute informational materials in schools and community centers to explain how hemp products with THC are currently available to young people under existing state age rules.
The group confirmed that it will use public meetings, social media campaigns and outreach events to inform residents across Texas about its proposal to change the age restriction.
