Lawmakers Could Expand the Medical Marijuana Program in Texas

Texas lawmakers could be on the brink of expanding the state's medical marijuana program again during the session. But time is something lawmakers don't have an abundance of when considering the proposal.

The Texas House on Monday advanced legislation known as House Bill 46 by State Rep. Ken King that would expand the conditions eligible for "Compassionate Use Program" in Texas. The legislation would also allow licensed dispensers to open more satellite locations in the more rural areas of Texas.

Expanding Medical Marijuana in Texas

According to the Texas Tribune, House Bill 46 would expand the conditions that are eligible for the state's medical marijuana program to include chronic pain and Crohn's disease. Right now the Compassionate Use Program accepts medical conditions like Neurological Conditions, Cancer, PTSD, and some other medical conditions.

You can read the full list here.

House Bill 46 would allow for more satellite locations to make it easier for people not located in major Texas cities to more easily access the program. It would also allow for prescribed smokable products to be sold by prescription.

“There are too many Texans who are still struggling to get access to the medicine they legally have a right to receive,” King said, pointing out his bill would allow for additional dispensing locations outside of Central Texas, where all dispensaries are currently concentrated.

 

Status of House Bill 46

The Texas House preliminary approved the bill 118 to 16 on Monday. The House will need to vote to approve in a final vote before sending the bill to the Texas Senate where it's fate remains unclear.