Texas Accepting Applications for Additional Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

Texas is now accepting applications to increase the number of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. state agency announced Monday.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it is now accepting applications for the so-called Compassionate Use Program (CUP), established by a 2015 law that legalized medical marijuana treatment in the state.

The department said the application period will end on April 28 and applicants who have previously applied will be able to reapply.

“Details of the application acceptance process and the subsequent approval process for issuing additional licenses will be announced at a later date. We will only issue the number of licenses necessary to ensure reasonable statewide access and availability,” the Department of Public Safety said. said in a statement on Monday.

These additional licenses are required in Texas, where medical cannabis programs are hampered by legal obstacles.

by dallas morning news, “Only three dispensaries have been licensed in Texas in the last three years.”

A law passed in 2015 the newspaper said, “It was very restrictive in terms of what it covered and how much THC, the element that gives marijuana users an uplifting feeling, was allowed.”

“State legislatures expanded the list of conditions that can be treated under the compassionate use program years later. and we hope the legislature will pass the expansion bill this year.” of dallas morning news report.

“The three dispensaries currently open are all in central Texas, two in Austin and one in Schulenberg, about 100 miles west of San Antonio. With only one, some supporters are frustrated that there isn’t enough supply to meet demand,” continued The Morning News.

In 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott will sign a bill to target post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and all types of cancer patients with a Compassionate Use Program, reducing the THC cap from 0.5% to 1%. %. Percent dry weight.

Proponents lamented that the bill was still too restrictive. For example, previous versions of the law raised the THC cap to his 5%.

But Republican Senator Charles Schwartner introduced an alternative measure, capping the cap at 1%.

“As a pharmacist and physician, I strongly feel that our limited medical program, with proper regulation and supervision, is the right path for Texas patients seeking symptom relief.” I believe that is beginning to show that I think more work is needed, but certainly the testimony by patients suffering from some of these conditions is very strong.

Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Lone Star State, although there is reason to believe the Texans are ready to accept legalization.

A poll released last summer found that 55% of registered voters in Texas support legalizing cannabis for adults, while 35% oppose it.

However, Abbott has not embarked on legalization yet.

Abbott, a Republican who was re-elected last year, said, “While we have long expressed interest in lowering criminal penalties for possession of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor, we have shown no interest in legalizing cannabis. ‘ said. by houston chronicle.

Following President Joe Biden’s pardon for federal marijuana offenders last year, an Abbott spokesperson said the governor would not follow White House instructions.