Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB809

Caption

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

Impact

If enacted, HB 809 would amend existing health and safety regulations to include provisions for medical cannabis, thereby shaping state laws around its use for therapeutic purposes. One of the most significant changes would be the creation of a secure online medical use registry managed by the Department of Public Safety. This registry would help to monitor and regulate the distribution of medical cannabis, maintain records of recommended usage, and ensure that dispensing organizations operate within the legal framework established by the state. Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits municipalities and counties from enacting laws that could restrict the cultivation or dispensing of medical cannabis, ensuring statewide uniformity in its application.

Summary

House Bill 809 proposes to establish a legal framework for the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis specifically for patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legislation seeks to create a regulatory structure that allows for the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations. Under the terms set forth in the bill, these organizations would be responsible for supplying medical cannabis to registered patients in compliance with state regulations. It also includes a provision for imposing fees that would help cover the costs of administration related to the implementation of the bill.

Contention

The main point of contention surrounding HB 809 lies in the balance between state and local governance regarding the regulation of cannabis use. By prohibiting local governments from regulating medical cannabis, proponents of the bill argue that it assures a consistent approach across Texas, which would benefit patients seeking access to medical cannabis. However, opponents express concern that this could undermine local governments' ability to address unique community needs related to public health and safety, potentially leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that may not suit all regions of the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SB209

Relating to regulating the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating a criminal offense.

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.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1831

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 the local regulation of cannabis establishments; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB1805

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

TX HB3068

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

Similar Bills

TX HB85

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.

TX HB3340

TX HB2107

TX SB1837

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.

TX SB865

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

TX SB250

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.

TX HB3826

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use in lieu of an opioid by patients with acute or chronic pain and the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

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.