CBD users must rely on good faith until state decides on regulations
AUSTIN, Texas — CBD shops popped up the moment industrial hemp — and CBD oil — became legal in Texas. But just because it’s legal — doesn’t mean it’s standardized or that there is any enforcement.
“A lot of your shops that do exist are doing just fine with their manufacturing but we do have some bad actors in the industry,” said Zachary Maxwell, president of the Texas Hemp Growers Association.
He was one of dozens of speakers at a public hearing at the Department of State Health Services.
“I take CBD products, it helps with my anxiety, helps me be a little more productive,” one man said at the microphone.
State leaders are still deciding on the rules around labeling and manufacturing CBD. “Sometimes what’s in the bottle is not exactly what is in the bottle,” Maxwell said.
He says he wants consumers to be able to see what they’re buying — and put it in a centralized database. “If we look at this label right there you’re going to see an expiration date for this product,” Maxwell said, pointing to the bottle. The QR code takes him to the certificate of analysis that shows THC, which remains illegal in Texas, is undetectable.
Maxwell says it’s one thing consumers can look for to make sure they are getting what they paid for, because until the state nails down how this new law will be enforced, CBD users will have to rely on good faith.
“Right now, the retailers, it’s really up to them to make sure they’re keeping their website updated,” Maxwell said.
You can find out more about the state’s timeline on developing the rules here.
