In an effort to bring more Texas Cancer and PTSD patients to the medical cannabis program and to reduce the use of addictive drugs, the house passed Bill 2593 this week. More conditions have been added to the Program, including chronic pain. The medical cannabis program is a must use for Texans and other state people as well. All the Texas Cancer and PTSD patients are eligible for this program.
“The Texas House gave approval on Thursday to a bill that would expand the state’s medical cannabis program to include those with chronic pain, all cancer patients and Texans suffering from PTSD.” [1]
Medical Cannabis Program was established in 2015:
In the year 2015, the medical cannabis program was established by Texans, which is authorized by Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth; the Bill was named ‘House Bill 1535’. And this bill is also monitored by the Department of State Health Services.
Diseases/ Disorders that fall under Eligibility
Presently, patients are eligible those who are suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, incurable neuro-degenerative, intractable epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, terminal cancer, spasticity, and autism. To get this into law, it should be signed by the Governor. First, it has to be considered by the senate (after final voting), and then the bill will be sent to the Governor.
Usage of Heavy Compounds like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The Medical cannabis program was rendered most moot, where they are more potent with the counter CBD oils or tinctures. The legally permissible cannabis treatments were marginally stopped with the legalized hemp in 2019.
THC cap Increases from 0.5% to 5%
Texas’ medical cannabis program has given access to the heavy doses than currently available doses. The bill would also raise the THC cap from 0.5% to 5%. The compound THC is very high.
The Current Texas marijuana program is not recognized as a true medical marijuana program by Reforming Marijuana Laws of the National Organization. Because of its emphasis on cannabidiol, derived from hemp and containing only traces of the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, over THC for medicinal use.
Much Lesser Texas Patient Enrollments Than Expected
According to the national conference of State Legislatures, the medical cannabis program is accessible for the 47states nationwide. Compared to other states, Texas Compassionate Use Program got much fewer patient enrollments. Only 3,500 Texans are registered. But from the estimation of advocates, over 2 million people are eligible based on the present law system.
It is still unpredictable for doctors to decide the proper dosages for their patients. Though the increased THC limit is “a step in the right direction, said Heather Fazio, director of Responsible Marijuana Policy.
Bill Would Help Bring More Texas Patients to the Program
Heather Fazio said that “There's an incredibly restrictive cap on THC," and THC low-level dose is working for few people in the same way it does not show that much curation for others.
Fazio said the bill would help bring more Texas patients to the program and help reduce the use of addictive opioids. However, she says the bill still “leaves patients behind who desperately need access to this medicine.”
House Bill 2593 was passed in the House on Wednesday. The penalties would be reduced for some marijuana concentrate. House Bill 441, which would lessen the penalty for possession of one ounce or less of cannabis, as well as remove the possibility of jail time or losing a driver’s license.
REFERENCE:
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/04/28/texas-medical-marijuana-cannabis/
Published by: Book Club
Source: NewsService
Release ID: 18051