Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1837

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB1837 would alter the existing legal landscape regarding cannabis in Texas. It explicitly empowers the Department of Public Safety to oversee the regulation of medical cannabis and enforces compliance mechanisms for licensed dispensing organizations. By restricting municipalities and counties from prohibiting medical cannabis practices, SB1837 aims to create a consistent regulatory environment across the state. This could lead to increased access to medical cannabis for patients in need and potentially reduce illicit market activities related to cannabis.

Summary

SB1837 introduces significant changes to the regulation of medical cannabis in Texas, authorizing its possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery for patients whose physicians recommend it as the best treatment for their conditions. This legislation establishes a framework for licensing medical cannabis dispensing organizations, ensuring that these entities must meet stringent criteria to operate legally. It also introduces a medical use registry to track patient recommendations and cannabis dispensation, which will enhance accountability and safety in medical cannabis distribution.

Contention

The proposed bill may face contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it provides essential medical options for patients suffering from debilitating conditions, while opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of broader cannabis access and its potential normalization. Moreover, issues surrounding the regulation of dispensaries, including public safety and health standards, could also be focal points for debate. The emphasis on law enforcement access to the medical use registry might raise privacy concerns among patient advocates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 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 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.