Texas House Bill HB2980

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to providing or administering low-THC cannabis to a child for whom the low-THC cannabis was prescribed.

Impact

The implications of HB2980 extend to the realm of child health and parental rights within the state of Texas. By providing explicit legal protections for caregivers, the bill aims to prevent potential legal repercussions that could arise from the administration of prescribed low-THC cannabis to minors. This legal clarity could encourage more families to consider low-THC cannabis as a therapeutic option for their children, potentially improving health outcomes for those with qualifying conditions.

Summary

House Bill 2980 seeks to amend the Texas Health and Safety Code to clarify the legal status of administering low-THC cannabis to children. Specifically, the bill states that it is not considered child abuse or neglect for parents or caregivers to provide or administer low-THC cannabis to children for whom such cannabis has been prescribed. This amendment is significant as it directly addresses concerns about the legality of utilizing low-THC cannabis in pediatric care, especially for medical conditions that may benefit from its use.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward intent, there may be points of contention regarding its implications on the broader discourse surrounding cannabis use, especially among minors. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the normalization of cannabis in pediatric treatment, advocating for additional regulations to ensure child safety. Conversely, proponents of the bill likely argue for the necessity of such provisions to facilitate medical care options for children in need.