A Texas bill to legalize the production and sale of hemp has received final approval from the state legislature and is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature.

According to a statement from Shawn Hauser with the American Hemp Campaign, HB 1325 is a bipartisan bill that received unanimous approval from the House of Representatives in April and the Senate a week ago.

It would establish a regulated system for commercial hemp farming, manufacturing and retail sale.

Under the new regulations:

Farmers would be allowed to grow hemp and produce hemp products.

The state Department of Agriculture would be able to develop rules, a state plan and licensing program.

It gives the Department of State Health Services authority over manufactured hemp products.

Hemp production and products would have strict testing protocols and there would be regular inspections to ensure compliance.

There would be comprehensive labeling requirements to ensure customer safety.

"We applaud lawmakers for coming together in support of this commonsense hemp legislation, and we hope Gov. Abbott will sign it into law,” said Hauser. “In addition to offering a lifeline to Texas farmers, it will ensure hemp products made and sold in Texas are regulated for quality and safety. Texas is in an excellent position to become a leader in the U.S. hemp economy. Establishing a commercial hemp farming program is going to create new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs across the state. The market for hemp and hemp-related products is growing rapidly, and we may never see another new cash crop like this."

Hauser was lead author of the AHC’s model hemp production plan and policy guide to the 2018 farm bill. The farm bill was signed into law in December 2018 lifting the national prohibition of hemp farming.

An interim report was released in January by the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock recommending the legalization of hemp this year. The committee approved the hemp bill last session (HB 3587), but it was never scheduled for a vote on the House floor.