The Texas Senate has unanimously approved a bill to expand access to medical cannabis for residents suffering from chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This legislation, known as House Bill 46, was sponsored by Rep. Ken King and passed with a 31-0 vote late Tuesday.
Sen. Charles Perry, a Republican from Lubbock and the bill’s Senate sponsor, emphasized that the proposed expansion will allow many individuals in need of treatment to obtain it. The bill comes on the heels of a recent blanket ban on unregulated hemp-based THC products, including vapes and edibles, which is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Greg Abbott.
Veterans and other advocates have voiced strong opposition to the THC ban, arguing that these unregulated products have provided relief when the state’s medical cannabis program has been inadequate. Critics have taken to social media to express their discontent, suggesting that the legislators’ votes will impact their decisions in the upcoming elections.
Governor Abbott has until mid-June to either sign or veto the legislation. He has not publicly stated his intentions regarding the bill.
During a press conference, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized the unregulated THC market, asserting that lawmakers are committed to keeping unsafe products off the market. He highlighted the dangers associated with these products and attempted to shift public perception against them, claiming that they pose risks to innocent lives.
In the Senate discussion, lawmakers acknowledged the criticism they may face while advocating for the expansion. Sen. José Menéndez noted that many constituents have resorted to self-medication with unregulated substances and expressed hope that the new medical cannabis program would provide safer alternatives.
House Bill 46 is set to return to the House, where lawmakers will decide whether to accept the Senate amendments or send the bill to a conference committee for further negotiation. The legislation aims to add terminal illness and chronic pain to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use, which already includes PTSD. However, a provision allowing any military veteran to access the program, regardless of their diagnosis, was removed in the Senate.
The bill also proposes increasing the number of medical cannabis dispensaries in Texas from three to twelve, enhancing competition and potentially lowering prices for consumers. Patients would be able to obtain prescriptions for up to 90 days with four refills, a significant change from current regulations that require more frequent doctor visits.
Additionally, the legislation allows for higher-concentration doses of cannabis products, reducing the quantity needed for therapeutic effects, and enables consumption through various methods, including vaporizers, edibles, oils, and suppositories. The bill proposes the establishment of satellite storage facilities, improving distribution efficiency and accessibility for patients.
Patrick described the legislation as a significant overhaul of Texas’ medical cannabis program, which has been criticized for its limited scope and low participation rate—only around 20,000 individuals have enrolled in the program since its inception ten years ago. Other states with more inclusive medical cannabis programs have seen broader eligibility criteria and more effective distribution channels.
Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat pushing for broader cannabis reforms, expressed optimism about the potential for a robust legal cannabis market in Texas. He acknowledged the challenges posed by unregulated THC shops but indicated that the current ban and proposed medical program expansion could lead to a more structured cannabis industry in the future.
Gutierrez emphasized the importance of transparency regarding the current state of cannabis legislation in Texas, stating that understanding the journey toward reform is crucial as the state moves forward.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech