Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2416

Caption

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis and medical research cannabis.

Impact

Should SB2416 become law, it will significantly reshape the legal landscape surrounding cannabis use in Texas. Notably, it prohibits local governments from enacting regulations that would limit the cultivation or dispensing of low-THC cannabis and medical research cannabis. This centralization of authority at the state level effectively eliminates local barriers and enhances the availability of these products to patients within the compassionate-use registry. Furthermore, the establishment of rigorous review boards and clear registration requirements for physicians emphasizes the importance of safeguards in place to uphold patient safety during the administration of cannabis-related treatments.

Summary

SB2416, a legislative act in Texas, focuses on the medical use of low-THC cannabis and the regulation of medical research cannabis. The bill amends existing Texas law to expand the categories of individuals permitted to possess such substances, offering protections to registered practitioners and patients involved in therapeutic research. It also stipulates the establishment of institutional review boards to oversee research programs while ensuring adherence to protocols defined under state law. This bill aims to facilitate medical treatment for patients who may benefit from cannabis-derived therapies, thus acknowledging the potential therapeutic aspects of cannabis within a regulated framework.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB2416 is expected to face challenges and debates within the legislative environment. Opponents argue that the bill may lead to a watering down of local autonomy in health regulations, leaving communities without recourse to address specific public health concerns related to cannabis use. Proponents counter that uniform state regulations will streamline access for patients and ensure that those seeking medical cannabis are adequately protected under consistent guidelines. Concerns about the long-term effects of medical cannabis, including addiction and efficacy, may fuel ongoing discussions about the bill's implications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB2995

Relating to the prescribing of medical cannabis for medical use to certain veterans with combat-related injuries or medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

TX HB1200

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

TX SB127

Relating to the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for use by patients as the best available medical treatment, the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations, and the registration of certain individuals; authorizing fees.

TX HB3620

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.

TX HB3068

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis by patients with certain medical conditions.

TX HB1805

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis by patients with certain medical conditions.

TX SB1747

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis by patients with certain medical conditions.

TX HB1467

Relating to drug testing and prescription drug policies and certain legal protections for employees and independent contractors of state agencies and political subdivisions and for other persons regarding the medical use of low-THC cannabis and hemp.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

Similar Bills

TX HB2995

TX SB170

TX HB4045

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain eligible medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations; changing a fee.

TX SB121

TX SB2040

TX HB1365

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, processing, distribution, transportation, research, testing, and delivery of low-THC cannabis for medical use by patients with certain debilitating medical conditions and the licensing of cannabis dispensing organizations, cannabis research organizations, and cannabis testing facilities; establishing the cannabis therapeutic research review board; authorizing fees.

TX HB43

TX SB339

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis and the regulation of related organizations and individuals; requiring a dispensing organization to obtain a license to dispense low-THC cannabis and any employee of a dispensing organization to obtain a registration; authorizing fees.