“My goal is not to debate the benefits, risks, or side effects of hemp, THC, vaping, kratom, or any other adult product,” said Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray. “My goal is to keep these substances out of the hands of children— whose brains, bodies, and decisionmaking abilities are still developing.”
Chief Ray stated he first saw underage usage of such products several years ago after a school resource officer and Dublin ISD staff confiscated a vape device from a student at Dublin Intermediate.
This wasn’t the only confiscation a vape device, which can often be disguised as other items like a pen or USB stick. Dublin Secondary School principal Dr. Norma Villicana-Arreguin reported it’s been a continuing problem on the campus, saying there have been “numerous cases and they keep getting sneakier. It’s hard to tell the difference between a vape and a pen.”
Ray said there are problems across the state and he doesn’t want Dublin to follow those trends. “Larger cities are struggling with youth vaping, THC cartridges [are] disguised as nicotine vapes, widespread kratom use [is happening] among minors, [and there are] counterfeit imports and fentanyl- contaminated products,” he said. “[Texas’] schools are overwhelmed. Their police departments are inundated with calls involving dangerous street-level intoxicants. These problems did not appear overnight—they slowly seeped in while communities were “getting around to addressing it.”” “Vaping devices, hempderived intoxicants, counterfeit cartridges, and kratom are now readily available across the state,” said Ray. “And while adults 21 and older have every legal right to use these products—and many do so responsibly—too many minors are gaining access to them. That is where the danger lies, and that is where my focus as Chief of Police must be.”
“Nicotine, THC, synthetic cannabinoids, and opioid-mimicking substances like kratom affect the developing adolescent brain far differently than they do in adults,” Ray said. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, nicotine exposure during adolescence can permanently alter brain pathways related to impulse control, emotional regulation, and learning. The Mayo Clinic and DEA warn that kratom binds to the same receptors as opioids, causing sedation, euphoria, respiratory depression, and withdrawal— particularly dangerous in minors.
The Food and Drug Administration also warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder (SUD). For these reasons, Ray said the City of Dublin is drafting ordinances to keep kratom out of the hands of minors.
Chief Ray cited theTexas Department of State Health Services reports that between 2019 and 2021, Texas saw 151 confirmed and 130 probable hospitalizations for vaping-related lung injury (EVALI), including four deaths, one of them a 15-year-old North Texas boy (CBS News Texas, Jan. 3, 2020). These dangers are magnified by counterfeit products. DPS and other Texas agencies have seized vape cartridges laced with fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids, industrial solvents, and unknown chemicals. “These devices often look identical to popular name-brand vapes and are traded through social media or peer networks—exactly where minors obtain them,” added Ray.
On September 10, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order directing DSHS, TABC, and DPS to: Ban sales of hemp products to minors Require ID verification for every sale Strengthen testing and labeling Increase statewide enforcement Coordinate with local law enforcement Study a stronger long-term regulatory framework The Governor said Texas will not wait on keeping children and its citizens safe and Ray aims for Dublin to follow suit. The Dublin Police Department has already begun unannounced compliance checks on every vape, tobacco, and hemp retailer in our city. “During our first round, we found multiple compliance issues,” Ray reported. “Each was documented and forwarded to the Texas Comptroller’s Office Law Enforcement Division.”
The chief said they are guided by the philosophy: Education first. Enforcement when necessary.
“Most Dublin businesses want to do the right thing, and we appreciate that,” he said. “But when violations involve children, enforcement is not optional—it is essential.”
While some may see the strict enforcement and supervision of a product used by adults (including first responders) as hypocritical, Ray said it is not because adults can make those choices.
“Our focus is entirely on minors who cannot safely use these products and who often have no idea what they are putting into their bodies,” he clarified.
Texas law already provides strong protections: ■ Health & Safety Code §161.082: Illegal to sell vape, nicotine, or tobacco to anyone under 21
■ §161.252: ID required for every sale
■ §161.090: Minors cannot possess vape devices on school property
■ Agriculture Code Ch.
443: Regulates testing and labeling of hemp products
■ Governor Abbott’s Executive Order: Bans hemp product sales to minors statewide Still, no law replaces engaged parenting and a vigilant community.
■ Talk to your kids.
■ Look inside their backpacks.
■ Ask questions.
■ Reach out when something seems off. “I want to protect the small-town values we hold dear—where neighbors look out for one another, where we raise our children together, and where we stop problems before they take root,” Ray stated. “Thank you for standing with us as we work together to keep Dublin safe.”