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Yesterday, Governor Abbott signed HB 1535, which allows for all forms of cancer and patients with PTSD to now qualify for the program while increasing the THC cap from 0.5 percent to 1 percent, and facilitates research programs. Additionally, a bill which codify patient protections for those who are in the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T.CUP) and protect them from being harassed by child protective services takes effect on September 1st. We will keep you updated as these new additions to the T.CUP roll out. A record six bills regarding cannabis policy passed from the Texas House to the Senate this session. Additionally, the House held committee hearings for 13 cannabis bills. Bills were sent to the Senate which would: Reduce the penalty for THC concentrates […]

With just over 4 days left in the regular session, there are still bills on the move! Here is where we are at: Medical Cannabis HB 1535, authored by Rep. Stephanie Klick, would expand the Texas Compassionate Use Program and qualify more patients for medical cannabis. This bill passed out of the House with strong support (134-12) and unanimously out of the Senate. However, the senate committee adopted a substitute to HB 1535 which makes key changes to the original bill. This substitute changes the proposed THC cap from 5 percent to 1 percent, removes chronic pain as a qualifying condition, and removes the ability for the review board to approve new qualifying conditions. View the committee substitute. View our coalition’s request to correct the amendments. Since the […]

With 15 days left in the session, several bills are still making their way through the process! MONDAY: HB 2593, authored by Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody, would reduce possession of two ounces or less of THC concentrate or cannabis infused products from a felony to a Class B Misdemeanor. THC concentrates include oils used in vape pens, tinctures, or infused lotions. Infused edible products like baked goods or lozenges are also included in this penalty group.  Arrests will be up to officer discretion. This bill is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, May 17th in the Senate State Affairs Committee.  Take Action:  Share your support for HB 2593 with committee members. Submit in your written testimony. Please be thoughtful and stay on the topic of […]

With only 24 days left in the Legislative Session, 11 bills are currently on the move, one of which has been sent to the Governor’s desk! Four bills have advanced from the Texas House to the Texas Senate and are awaiting referral to Senate committees, and an additional bill should be voted out of the House this weekend to join the others in the Senate. Five additional bills are in House Calendar Committee hoping to be scheduled before the deadline for bills to get out of the House. Learn more about the Legislative Process and How a Bill Becomes a Law in Texas. Full list of filed bills can be found here.  Do you want to take action to support advancing legislation? Ask the Lt Gov and […]