Texas House Bill HB85

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain debilitating medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations and cannabis testing facilities; authorizing fees.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB85 is its amendments to the Health and Safety Code, particularly in establishing a medical cannabis registry to track patient use and compliance. This registry will allow medical professionals to certify suitable candidates for medical cannabis treatment, thus creating a formal process that enhances patient access while ensuring that the use of medical cannabis is handled responsibly. The bill also introduces the licensing of dispensing organizations and testing facilities, ensuring that medical cannabis is cultivated, processed, and distributed under state regulations. This will facilitate legal access to medical cannabis for patients while maintaining safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 85 focuses on the authorization for possession, use, cultivation, distribution, and delivery of medical cannabis for patients with specific debilitating medical conditions. The bill aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Texas by defining the parameters under which patients may acquire and utilize medical cannabis. Under the proposed law, health care providers can recommend medical cannabis to patients diagnosed with one or more debilitating conditions, including terminal cancer, multiple sclerosis, autism, and Parkinson's disease.

Contention

Points of contention around HB85 include discussions on the potential risks associated with medical cannabis use and the extent of regulations placed on providers and dispensaries. Critics may argue that the bill should ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent misuse while supporters emphasize the necessity of medical cannabis access for patients with serious health conditions. Additionally, there are concerns regarding how local governments will handle regulations surrounding cannabis and whether they will be able to impose local rules or completely prohibit cannabis operations, which the bill indicates they cannot do.