TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1416

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1416

Caption

Relating to the use of medical cannabis by veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and the licensing of associated cultivating or dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

Impact

The passage of SB 1416 is expected to alter existing state laws regarding medical cannabis use by explicitly linking it to veterans suffering from PTSD. As the bill licenses organizations to cultivate and dispense medical cannabis, it sets forth frameworks for operations, including safety standards, labeling, and production practices. Each licensed organization must demonstrate significant experience and financial backing, ensuring that those approved are capable of operating within the legal scope while providing safe access to veterans that need the medication.

Summary

Senate Bill 1416 introduces regulations surrounding the use of medical cannabis specifically for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill aims to facilitate access to medical cannabis by allowing licensed organizations to cultivate and dispense cannabis to qualifying veterans. A significant aspect of the law requires veterans to obtain a purchaser permit, establishing a formal process that includes providing proof of military service and a diagnosis of PTSD corroborated by a physician. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with administering the new provisions and ensuring compliance with health standards.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to address the needs of veterans, it is not without contention. Discussions surrounding the bill have brought forth concerns regarding the potential for misuse and the societal implications of increasing access to medical cannabis. Critics voice apprehension related to the appropriateness of cannabis as a treatment for PTSD and its overarching impact on local communities. Opponents also argue that while regulations are necessary, the commercial environment created by this legislation may lead to exploitation in the cannabis market, necessitating close monitoring.

Companion Bills

TX HB4097

Same As Relating to the use of medical cannabis by veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and the licensing of associated cultivating or dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 HB4288

Relating to a study on the use of alternative therapies for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

TX HB4185

Relating to a pilot program to award grants for personalized treatment protocols for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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 HB4147

Relating to the eligibility of certain first responders for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Similar Bills

TX HB1212

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act and the regulation and scheduling of certain substances.

TX HB4097

Relating to the use of medical cannabis by veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and the licensing of associated cultivating or dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB1109

Relating to the use of medical cannabis by veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and the licensing of associated cultivating or dispensing organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB1325

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB733

Relating to the creation of a medical cannabis research program; authorizing fees.

TX HB5

Relating to the regulation of certain products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and registrations; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB5

Relating to the regulation of certain products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and registrations; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB6

Relating to the regulation of certain products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and registrations; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.