Texas to Expand Medical Marijuana Program on September 1, Hemp Bills Remain Stalled
As September 1 approaches, Texas is set to expand its medical marijuana program, known as the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). The program, which was initially launched 10 years ago, will see significant changes with the passage of House Bill 46. The new law will increase the number of dispensaries from three to 15, allowing for satellite locations and expanding the types of medical conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana.
Physicians will now be able to prescribe inhalers and vape pens, and the program will be available to patients with traumatic brain injuries, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pain. The expansion is seen as a major step forward for the program, which has been criticized for being overly restrictive.
However, the debate over hemp products containing excessive levels of THC remains stalled. Hemp bills are currently stuck in the Public Health Committee, with no hearing date set. The Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has expressed opposition to a ban on hemp products, citing concerns about access and affordability.
CEO of Texas Original, Nico Richardson, believes that the debate has stalled due to a lack of understanding about the industry. He suggests that lawmakers pause the debate and pass a ban, then revisit the issue once other states have established regulatory schemes.
The expansion of the medical marijuana program comes as lawmakers are also looking to clamp down on hemp products sold across the state. Richardson believes that the program will eventually improve as new dispensaries open, with prices and access becoming more affordable.
The fate of the hemp bills remains uncertain, with the second Special Session set to last until September 13. As the debate continues, patients and advocates will be watching closely to see what changes come to the state’s medical marijuana and hemp laws.
