Texas Senate Bill SB1837

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients for whom a physician determines medical use is the best available treatment for the patient's medical condition or symptoms, and the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

Impact

If enacted, SB1837 would alter the existing legal landscape regarding cannabis in Texas. It explicitly empowers the Department of Public Safety to oversee the regulation of medical cannabis and enforces compliance mechanisms for licensed dispensing organizations. By restricting municipalities and counties from prohibiting medical cannabis practices, SB1837 aims to create a consistent regulatory environment across the state. This could lead to increased access to medical cannabis for patients in need and potentially reduce illicit market activities related to cannabis.

Summary

SB1837 introduces significant changes to the regulation of medical cannabis in Texas, authorizing its possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery for patients whose physicians recommend it as the best treatment for their conditions. This legislation establishes a framework for licensing medical cannabis dispensing organizations, ensuring that these entities must meet stringent criteria to operate legally. It also introduces a medical use registry to track patient recommendations and cannabis dispensation, which will enhance accountability and safety in medical cannabis distribution.

Contention

The proposed bill may face contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it provides essential medical options for patients suffering from debilitating conditions, while opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of broader cannabis access and its potential normalization. Moreover, issues surrounding the regulation of dispensaries, including public safety and health standards, could also be focal points for debate. The emphasis on law enforcement access to the medical use registry might raise privacy concerns among patient advocates.