Texas House Bill HR2217

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude cannabidiol and cannabidiol-rich plants from the definition of "marijuana."

Impact

If enacted, HR2217 could significantly reform how cannabidiol is perceived and utilized in medical treatments. This change would align federal law with state-level efforts, such as those represented in the Texas Compassionate Use Act, which allows the prescription of low-THC cannabis for treating intractable epilepsy. The resolution emphasizes that CBD can provide safe and effective relief for patients, marking a shift towards recognizing the therapeutic benefits of these substances without the stigma associated with marijuana.

Summary

House Bill 2217 seeks to address the classification of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiol-rich plants under federal law. Currently, these substances fall under the definition of 'marijuana' as stipulated in the Controlled Substances Act, preventing their widespread medical use despite evidence of their efficacy. The bill urges Congress to amend the federal law to exclude CBD and related plants from this classification, thereby allowing for broader medical applications, especially for patients suffering from conditions like epilepsy.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns regarding the bill's implications. Critics may argue that the amendment could lead to confusion in regulation and open the door to broader interpretations of cannabis legality. The nuances involved in how cannabis and its derivatives are classified could create legal challenges and varying enforcement standards. Additionally, the push towards legalizing CBD at the federal level could reignite debates about full marijuana legalization, making it a contentious issue among policymakers.