Texas Becomes 40th State to Legalise Medicinal Cannabis
On June 21, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a crucial law that permits the use of medicinal cannabis in the state. With this decision, Texas became the 40th state in the U.S. to make this move, which many see as a step forward for patients needing relief.
The new law updates the Texas Compassionate Use Program, increasing the amount of THC— the active ingredient in cannabis— that can be included in medical products from 1 percent to 10 milligrams per dose.
However, each package can have no more than 1 gram of THC, which helps manage how much patients can get at one time. This law also broadens the range of conditions that qualify for medical cannabis, allowing people suffering from chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, and those in hospice care to access these treatments more easily.
What Does This Law Mean For Cannabis in Texas?
In addition, it introduces new ways to use medical cannabis, such as lotions and patches, giving patients more options. However, it's important to note that using raw cannabis flower is still not allowed under this law. Representatives from the Marijuana Policy Project have expressed their support for this law, highlighting how it will provide relief for many Texans who have been struggling.
On another front, there's ongoing talk in the legislature about banning certain hemp-derived THC products, like Delta-8, which have grown in popularity in Texas. This surge has contributed to a booming industry that made about $5.5 billion last year. If Senate Bill 5, which aims to ban these synthetic THC products, passes, it could endanger around 5,500 registered hemp shops and many jobs in the sector.
Governor Abbott has the power to veto this bill and has previously shown he opposes similar regulations. Critics warn that such a ban could push consumers back to illegal sources for cannabis, complicating an already tricky situation in Texas regarding cannabis laws.
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Liz Filmer
