Texas Lawmakers Vote to Allow Medical Marijuana as an Opioid Alternative, While Replacing the THC Limit

Texas lawmakers approved Monday’s bill that would allow doctors in Texas to recommend medical cannabis to patients suffering from chronic pain.

Rep. Stephanie Klick (R), who would also replace THC caps that were established under the state’s limited medical cannabis law, cleared the House Public Health Committee approximately a week after members gave testimony.

This is a result of a House committee that unanimously approved a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession in the State and provide a path for records exoneration.

HB 1805 was amended and passed out the committee! It will be sent to the Calendars Committee for consideration by the full House of Representatives. #TXLege #TexasNORML #NORML

Ask your Representative to vote YES when the time comes: https://t.co/H0DburlAei pic.twitter.com/sdDf7RTz7g

Texas NORML (@TexasNORML March 20, 2023

In the meantime, the medical marijuana expansion legislation would replace one percent THC for cannabis oil with a volumetric dosage of 10 milligrams. The bill as introduced would have raised the limit to 5 percent THC content. However, the committee adopted a substitute amend that includes the switch to the volumetric dosage method.

It would also include a tenth condition, which would allow patients to use low-THC cannabis products: “A condition that causes pain chronic enough that a doctor would prescribe an opioid.”

The bill also stipulates that the Department of State Health Services could approve by rulemaking additional debilitating medical conditions for patients who are eligible for the cannabis program. The bill, if passed, would become effective on September 1, 2023.

Current law allows patients to qualify for low-THC medical marijuana if they suffer from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or a seizure disorder.

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Advocates would love to see the conservative legislature pass more comprehensive medical cannabis legislation or end prohibition entirely, but the committee-passed measure represents a significant expansion and recognizes the potential for cannabis as an opioid substitute.

The substitute amendment that was adopted before Monday’s panel vote has not been made available. It is therefore not possible to determine if any substantive changes were made to the bill. The Calendars Committee will now review the revised measure and schedule floor action.

The Texas House voted in favor of a cannabis decriminalization bill in 2019. However, it was not approved by the Senate. Since then, lawmakers have been unable to pass any additional extensive cannabis bills during recent sessions.

Governor. Greg Abbott (R), stated that he does not believe that people should be imprisoned for low-level marijuana possession. The governor suggested that the policy was already in place by lawmakers last year.

House Speaker Dade Phelan (R), stated in September that he would implement criminal justice reform in 2023 session. He also expressed support for lower penalties for marijuana possession.

The Texas Republican Party adopted an platform plank recommending decriminalization for marijuana possession in 2018. However, that was later repealed.

An earlier poll revealed that the majority of Texas voters believe that state’s marijuana laws should not be as strict.

Three bills were also filed by Texas legislators this month to expand research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These measures would be a continuation of the modest psychedelics law that was passed last session.

In Texas, however, there has been an increase in local action regarding marijuana issues over the past few years.

Major cities such as Austin have already implemented decriminalization locally at ballot level. voters also passed reform in five other Texas cities last November.

San Antonio voters will be able to vote on May ballot. This measure will decriminalize marijuana and prevent the enforcement or restriction laws regarding abortion. It also bans no-knock warrants.