Texas House Bill HB43

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/15/25
• Filed: 8/18/25

Summary

HB 43 would require specific warning labels on certain consumable hemp products sold or distributed in Texas. The bill amends Health and Safety Code Section 443.205 to expand labeling requirements for hemp products containing or marketed as containing more than trace amounts of cannabinoids. In addition to existing label information such as batch identification, batch date, product name, manufacturer, a certificate-of-analysis URL, and a certification that delta-9 THC is at or below 0.3 percent, the bill adds a requirement for a warning label when applicable. For ingestible hemp products with more than 10 micrograms of delta-9 THC per gram, the bill requires one of several warning statements selected at random or by department-approved rotation. These warnings focus on risks such as cannabis poisoning in children, delayed onset of effects, brain development concerns for people under 25, mental health risks, dependence, pregnancy and breastfeeding risks, and impaired driving. For topical hemp products with more than 10 micrograms of delta-9 THC per gram, the bill requires a warning not to swallow or apply to broken or irritated skin and notes that health effects are not fully known. The bill applies only to products sold or distributed on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Impact

The bill would directly amend Texas Health and Safety Code Section 443.205, adding mandatory warning-label provisions for certain consumable hemp products and strengthening the state’s consumer-information rules for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. It would affect manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of ingestible and topical hemp products by requiring compliance with new labeling language and warning-selection procedures, while leaving the underlying legality of hemp products intact. The change would apply prospectively only to products sold or distributed after the effective date.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or partisan division in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer-safety and public-health bill rather than a prohibition on hemp products. The overall tone is precautionary, emphasizing warnings, child safety, and health risks associated with THC exposure.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are the scope and severity of the required warnings, especially the inclusion of cannabis-related health claims on hemp products that may be marketed as legal or low-THC. Producers and retailers may view the bill as burdensome or as implying stronger risks than they believe are warranted, while public-health advocates are likely to support the warnings as necessary consumer protection. Another possible point of dispute is the threshold for triggering warnings, particularly the 10 micrograms per gram standard and the requirement that warnings be selected from a department-approved set or rotation.