AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas legislators are one step closer to significantly expanding access to medical cannabis. The Texas House Public Health Committee this week unanimously approved a bill to raise THC limits and expand eligibility for medical cannabis.
HB 1805 by Rep. Stephanie Crick (R-Fort Worth) changes the definition of “low cannabis THC” to 10 milligrams. Cannabis products are currently limited to 1% he THC by weight. It also expands the list of eligible Texans to those with debilitating medical conditions or chronic pain, such as “doctors prescribing opioids.” Only chronic diseases of
Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation was Texas’ first licensed distributor of medical cannabis, and said the change would allow more Texans access to important pain relievers in a safe manner. .
“Medical cannabis is a life-saving drug for people with multiple symptoms,” said Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Originals. “Across the United States, there are many highly regulated and well-functioning medical cannabis programs, and millions of patients take medical cannabis in place of other drugs, especially opioids. We believe that Texas and the people of Texas deserve the same access.”
More than 47,000 Texans are enrolled in the Texas Charitable Use Program. Richardson said that number is far smaller than the number of Texans who can benefit from it.
“Florida has 700,000 patients in medical cannabis programs. Florida has 20 million. “HB 1805 is really doing a very good job of taking a big step forward in providing better access to patients across Texas,” he said. ”
A staunch Republican, the Texas Agriculture Commission has long been a vocal supporter of the crop.
“I’d rather leave that decision to the doctors. Right now, even if we have the science, what we have is a patchwork that’s okay for some diseases and illnesses and not okay for others.” “This drug is much safer than hydrocodone, oxycontin and amphetamine. It does no harm to the body. We have the science behind it. We’re not asking for recreational marijuana. is just asking to help people.”
The bill is making steady progress through the legislative process with bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a date for Housewide consideration in the House Calendar Committee.