Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3826

Caption

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.

Impact

By establishing Chapter 488 in the Health and Safety Code, HB3826 will significantly alter existing state laws relating to the use of controlled substances. It will create a regulatory mechanism under the Texas Department of Public Safety to oversee medical cannabis usage and the licensing of dispensing organizations. This means that local governments cannot prohibit medical cannabis, solidifying its legality within Texas for qualifying patients. The bill also empowers physicians to recommend medical cannabis as a treatment option, utilizing a medical use registry to monitor prescriptions effectively.

Summary

House Bill 3826 seeks to authorize the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for patients suffering from acute or chronic pain, presenting it as an alternative to opioid prescriptions. The legislation aims to facilitate a structured medical cannabis framework that fosters safer pain management practices, particularly amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. The bill introduces provisions for the licensing and regulation of medical cannabis dispensing organizations, ensuring that such entities comply with state mandates regarding cultivation and distribution.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the inclusion of medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids, with some stakeholders expressing concerns over potential misinterpretations or abuses of the newly granted privileges. Additionally, opposition may surface regarding the operational specifics of dispensing organizations and the criteria for licensing. Some lawmakers fear that broad licensing could lead to an increase in unsanctioned operations, while proponents argue it is necessary to combat the opioid epidemic by providing regulated access to medical cannabis.

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 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 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 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 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 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

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.

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 HB809

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 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.