Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB339

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the legal landscape concerning the use of cannabis for medical purposes within Texas. By defining low-THC cannabis and establishing protocols for its prescription, the act creates a legal avenue for patients suffering from intractable epilepsy to access this form of treatment. Notably, it also prohibits local municipalities and counties from enacting regulations that would prevent the cultivation, processing, or dispensing of low-THC cannabis, thereby centralizing control at the state level.

Summary

SB339, also known as the Texas Compassionate-Use Act, establishes a framework for the medical use of low-THC cannabis in Texas. This legislation allows for licensed dispensing organizations to cultivate, process, and dispense low-THC cannabis to patients with specific medical conditions, particularly intractable epilepsy. It mandates that those organizations must be licensed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and their employees must register with the department, ensuring compliance and oversight in the cannabis distribution process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB339 is generally positive among supporters who view it as a compassionate measure aiding patients with debilitating conditions. Advocates, including medical professionals and patient rights groups, support the move towards legalization for medicinal purposes. However, there has been some contention among opponents who argue against broader cannabis policies, fearing potential misuse or a slippery slope towards full legalization of recreational cannabis.

Contention

The notable points of contention focus on the restrictions placed on local governments and the regulations around who can prescribe low-THC cannabis. Critics worry that limiting local control undermines community choices, and they question the level of bureaucratic oversight required for physicians to prescribe this treatment. Additionally, while the bill is a significant step forward for medical cannabis, debates continue regarding further reforms that could expand access or adjust limitations imposed by the act.

Companion Bills

TX HB892

Identical 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 HB3620

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

TX HB1250

Relating to expanding the number of dispensing organization license holders under the Texas Compassionate-Use Program.

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.

Similar Bills

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 HB892

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.

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 SB2416

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

TX HB43

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 HB2107

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 SB400

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 terminal illnesses and the licensing of dispensing organizations and cannabis testing facilities; authorizing a fee.

TX SB90

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 testing facilities; authorizing fees.