Governor Abbott Orders DPS to Crack Down on Illegal Hemp and Vape Sales

October 8, 2025 – AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to step up enforcement against vape and smoke shops that violate state hemp and product regulations, in what he described as an effort to protect children from harmful substances.

“Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products,” Abbott said in a statement released Monday. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase surveillance and enforcement of any vape and smoke shop violating Texas law. Texas will prioritize protecting our children.”

Under the governor’s directive, the DPS Criminal Investigations Division will launch targeted operations to identify shops of concern, working with local, state, and federal partners to perform inspections and collect evidence of potential violations. DPS special agents will also conduct undercover operations, seize illegal products for testing in the DPS Crime Lab, and pursue criminal charges against individuals or businesses found to be in violation of Texas law.

The move follows an executive order Abbott issued last month, directing multiple state agencies — including the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission — to take immediate steps to curb access to hemp-derived products such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC.

While federal law allows hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC, Texas officials have expressed growing concern over unregulated sales, particularly products marketed to minors. DPS says it will use all available partnerships to enforce compliance and prevent the distribution of illegal or mislabeled items.

The governor’s office emphasized that the state’s actions are meant to balance child safety with the rights of responsible adult consumers and legitimate businesses operating within the law.