Texas passed a bill through the House of Representatives today, titled HB 1535, that would expand the state’s medical cannabis program to cover more conditions, and therefore, service more people who rely on the plant.

The Texas House gave initial approval on Wednesday 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.

House Bill 1535, by Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, who authored the bill establishing Texas’ initial medical cannabis program in 2015, would also authorize the Department of State Health Services to add additional qualifying conditions through administrative rulemaking, instead of the Legislature needing to pass a law to expand eligibility.

Due to the months spent indoors due to the pandemic, a lot of people can relate to new habits brought on by loneliness or stress.

For some, it has been eating more or drinking more alcohol, and others have begun trying out substances such as marijuana.

A provider of addiction recovery resources and information, Recovery.org, polled 3,000 respondents and found that over 1 in 5 Texans, 22%, say they now have a more relaxed view towards recreational marijuana use after experiencing a year of lockdowns.

With nearly a dozen pot policy reform bills currently under consideration in the Texas legislature, Democratic Rep. James Talarico took advantage of the 420 high holiday on Tuesday as an opportunity to promote his recent move to get the ball rolling on Texas cannabis legalization. While the cannabis community was reveling in its celebration of the plant, Talarico turned to social media to share the news of a bill he filed last month.

“Happy 4/20! I’ve filed legislation to legalize cannabis, expunge past marijuana convictions, and use the new tax revenue to fund early childhood education,” Talarico tweeted on Tuesday.

A new survey conducted in Texas reveals that 61 per cent of respondents who are part of the state’s medical cannabis program turn to the herb as replacement for prescription drugs.

Almost 2,900 people participated in the survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy along with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) regarding their medical cannabis use.

Cash-strapped governments around the country have found a silver lining in the pandemic-caused loss of tax revenue. Legalized marijuana has provided millions to state and local governments - in some cases, millions more than anticipated.

The ability to raise tax dollars has been a selling point for marijuana legalization from the beginning. Long before the state legislature approved adult-use sales, Illinois politicians hoped marijuana could help the state pay off some of its massive debt. Other states, such as Colorado, have used sales tax dollars to fund schools and public improvement projects and programs.

A survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy indicates many in Texas using medical cannabis sourced illicitly are experiencing benefits.

Texas has a medical cannabis program – of sorts. It’s among the most restrictive in the USA and currently there are only a few thousand Texans registered. The program only allows for the use of cannabis extracts high in CBD and low in THC among those with few qualifying conditions and prescribed by physicians registered to do so.

Given the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is rather lacking on the compassion side, it’s little wonder illicit medical cannabis use in the state is so prevalent – and this comes with significant legal and other risks.

A survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy indicates many in Texas using medical cannabis sourced illicitly are experiencing benefits.

Texas has a medical cannabis program – of sorts. It’s among the most restrictive in the USA and currently there are only a few thousand Texans registered. The program only allows for the use of cannabis extracts high in CBD and low in THC among those with few qualifying conditions and prescribed by physicians registered to do so.

Given the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is rather lacking on the compassion side, it’s little wonder illicit medical cannabis use in the state is so prevalent – and this comes with significant legal and other risks.