Expansion of Medical Marijuana Program in Texas
Introduction to the Bill
AUSTIN — A hefty expansion to the state’s narrow medical marijuana program won overwhelming approval in the Texas House on Tuesday, giving veterans broad access to THC treatments and raising the number of dispensaries allowed in the state. The bill also would nearly double the number of medical conditions nonveterans would now be eligible for treatment under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. That state initiative allows doctors to prescribe low-dose tetrahydrocannabinol — known as THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana plants — in cannabis oil or edibles.
Military veterans would be given special access, and their doctors would be allowed under the law to prescribe low-dose THC for conditions that are not on the state’s list. The Texas Department of State Health Services also is given latitude in the bill to identify other conditions that may be added.
Key Features of the Bill
House Bill 46, by Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, was given final approval Tuesday on a 122-21 vote. Representatives cheered when the measure passed its first vote on Monday. The Texas Senate has passed its own version of a more broad program, allowing 15 dispensaries, shortening the time it takes to get them approved, and letting them store off-site. It does not add anything new to the list of qualifying conditions.
The legislation now heads into negotiations between the House and Senate over differences in the two versions. If they can come to a compromise, the deal will be sent to the governor’s desk.
Benefits of the Bill
“This is an amazing alternative to addictive, harmful opioids, which we know is a huge problem. This bill empowers individuals and families to avoid those dangerous drugs,” said Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston. “I am glad today that we’re voting for our veterans, rural communities and working families and taking a serious step against dangerous opioids.”
About 12,000 people are involved in Texas’s Compassionate Use Program, which is run by the Department of Public Safety. The medical conditions covered by the program include post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. There are only three dispensaries in the state, and they are not allowed to store their inventory in off-site facilities.
New Conditions Added to the Program
The bill adds several new conditions, including chronic pain that otherwise requires the use of opioids to manage, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, spinal neuropathy and degenerative disc disease.
The legislation seeks to broaden access by raising the number of allowed dispensaries to 11, and letting them store inventory in various regions of the state — cutting down on delivery expenses and time it takes for patients to get their prescriptions.
Delivery Methods and Dispensaries
The bill also would let doctors prescribe additional delivery methods including inhalation through vaporizers and insertion through suppositories. It does not propose changing the law to allow smokable flower.
State Rep. David Lowe, R-North Richland Hills, an Army veteran, said he voted against the bill because he doesn’t believe marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD or other problems veterans have.
Criticisms and Concerns
“I actually went to the VA and they said to me, ‘David, any type of marijuana use for PTSD only masks the symptoms. Don’t ever do that,’ ” said Lowe, who said he sought treatment for PTSD and related problems. “I didn’t, and I went through a lot of counseling in different programs.”
Conclusion
The expansion of the medical marijuana program in Texas is a significant step forward for the state. The bill aims to provide broader access to medical marijuana for patients with various conditions, including veterans and those with chronic pain. While there are some criticisms and concerns, the bill has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
A: The Texas Compassionate Use Program is a state initiative that allows doctors to prescribe low-dose tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis oil or edibles to patients with certain medical conditions.
Q: What conditions are currently covered by the program?
A: The program currently covers post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Q: What new conditions are added to the program under the bill?
A: The bill adds several new conditions, including chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, spinal neuropathy, and degenerative disc disease.
Q: How many dispensaries are currently allowed in the state?
A: There are currently only three dispensaries in the state.
Q: How many dispensaries would be allowed under the bill?
A: The bill would raise the number of allowed dispensaries to 11.
