Texas Senate Unanimously Advances Medical Marijuana Expansion
AUSTIN — The Texas Senate unanimously voted late Tuesday to expand access to the state’s medical marijuana program, aiming to provide relief to more Texans suffering from conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. Senate Bill 46, sponsored by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), seeks to enhance the decade-old Texas Compassionate Use Program by making products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) more accessible to veterans and residents facing high costs and qualifications for participation.
The measure follows criticism surrounding a proposed ban on unregulated hemp-derived THC products, which have been a vital source of relief for many, including veterans. During the debate, Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) emphasized the necessity of a regulated program that would ensure consumers know the quality and type of product they are using.
The proposed legislation would add chronic pain and terminal illnesses to the list of qualifying conditions, and it would increase the number of licensed dispensaries from three to twelve, fostering competition and potentially lowering prices. Moreover, it would permit 90-day prescriptions with up to four refills and allow higher concentrations of THC for greater efficiency in usage.
Critics noted that the Senate version removed a provision allowing veterans broader access without qualifying conditions. The bill now returns to the House for consideration, where members will align with the Senate proposal or engage in further negotiations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick heralded the legislation as a significant overhaul of the medical marijuana program, which, despite being one of the most restrictive in the country, may start paving the way for broader acceptance of legal cannabis in Texas. While more expansive legalization remains a future goal for some lawmakers, this movement is viewed as a crucial first step towards a more inclusive cannabis framework.
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