Texas Senate Bill SJR18

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use.

Impact

If enacted, SJR18 would amend the Texas Constitution by adding Section 48, which would formally recognize the legitimacy of medical cannabis in the state. This could potentially lead to the establishment of a regulated market for medical cannabis, allowing patients access to cannabis products for therapeutic purposes. The change could also lead to implications for law enforcement and public health regulations regarding cannabis use.

Summary

SJR18, introduced by Senator Rodríguez, proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use in Texas. The bill specifically defines cannabis to include the plant Cannabis sativa L., its seeds, and any derivatives or preparations of the plant. This amendment aims to provide a legal framework for medical cannabis, giving the legislature the authority to enact laws surrounding its regulation.

Election

The proposed amendment would be submitted to voters in a referendum on November 6, 2018, allowing citizens to decide the fate of medical cannabis legalization in Texas. This public vote will be critical in determining whether the state moves forward with regulating medical cannabis or maintains its current prohibition status.

Contention

Debate surrounding SJR18 is likely to focus on the benefits and concerns about medical cannabis. Proponents argue that legalizing cannabis for medical use could provide relief to patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, and other medical conditions. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of legalization, such as potential misuse, public health challenges, and the societal impact it could have.