Whether you are considering a move to Texas, or just want to learn more about the compassionate use program, there are many things you should know. This article will discuss the history of the program as well as how it works.
Expanding the program to cover all forms of medical marijuana
During the regular legislative session, many patients and caregivers spoke out in favor of expanding the availability of medical cannabis in Texas. They wanted to expand access to the drug and the list of conditions that qualify for its use.
Earlier this year, Rep. Stephanie Klick of Fort Worth, Texas, introduced HB 1535 to the House. It expands the Texas Compassionate Use Act. This bill was first passed in 2015. It expands the list of conditions that can be eligible for medical marijuana use.
The act allows qualified patients to use low-THC cannabis for a wide variety of medical conditions. These include epilepsy, cancer, and Huntington's disease. The act also allows the use of cannabidiol (CBD), which is a chemical in marijuana that doesn't produce a high but has a therapeutic effect.
However, the new law is more restrictive than other states' laws. The law restricts the number of doctors who can recommend marijuana. This creates delays in prescriptions. Also, there are cost restrictions. It is only allowed to be prescribed by Texas Compassionate Use Registry physicians.
The law also limits the amount of THC that can be prescribed. It was initially limited to 0.5%, but it was increased to 1%. A research program was also included, but it was removed by the Senate.
The Department of Public Safety must eventually establish new rules by December 1, 2020. Soon after, they'll be able to issue business licenses. The Texas medical marijuana market could grow to be as big as California's.
Penalties for possessing more than two ounces of marijuana
Depending on the amount of marijuana you have, your penalties could range from fines to jail time. Texas has a strict prohibition on the possession, delivery, or sale of marijuana.
Generally speaking, possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor. This means that you can spend up to 180 consecutive days in jail.
You can also be sentenced to 100 hours of community service, a maximum $2,000 fine, and a suspension from your driver's license. Penalties for marijuana possession over two ounces are more severe. In Texas, possession is a state jail felony if you have more than two ounces. A possession conviction can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. You can also lose your voting rights and the right to own firearms.
In addition to jail time, you can get fines, community service, and probation. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to attend a drug diversion program.
To understand your rights, a Houston marijuana crime attorney should be consulted if you have been charged with marijuana possession.
A skilled marijuana attorney can often argue for less-severe sentences. You can also ask the court to suppress evidence of an illegal search. You can learn more about previous pending marijuana legislation and the Compassionate Use Act in the Texas Cannabis Report.
You can also learn about SB 1839 which will be introduced in January 2017 when the 85th Texas Legislature convenes. It would allow more ailments to be treated with cannabis.
Texas does not issue marijuana cards. However, you can purchase oils infused with CBD (cannabidiol), which is a non-psychoactive substance found within marijuana. These oils can be used for pain relief and seizure prevention.
FDA requirements for low-THC cannabis
The FDA requires that low-THC cannabis products must meet certain standards. These standards are not always the same from product to product.
The FDA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. It works to ensure the safety of medical products and protect the public's health. It is committed to protecting consumers from unsubstantiated therapeutic statements.
FDA's Cannabis Product Committee is responsible for developing a cross-agency strategy in order to regulate cannabis products. They also collect information about the safety and quality of cannabis to ensure that medical products are safe. They can also assist with the development of plant-based drugs.
The FDA encourages all stakeholders to comment on its public docket. This information will be used to develop a more comprehensive study of cannabis-derived products. The FDA also developed a Botanical Review Team. These individuals are experts in evaluating cannabis and hemp-based drugs. You can reach them at 1-877-6987
The FDA encourages doctors to conduct research on low-THC cannabis. These products have been found to alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases. The agency plans to create monographs for physicians to help them understand the medical uses of cannabis.
Low-THC oils can be legally obtained in the United States but they cannot cross state borders. These oils can only be purchased from a licensed dispensary. The price of these oils remains unknown. Three drugs that contain a synthetic form of THC have been approved for approval by the FDA. These drugs can be used to treat nausea, pain, and insomnia.
Although the FDA has limited authority over low-THC cannabis products, it is important to be aware of what is allowed. The Farm Bill specifically retained the FDA's authority under the FD&C Act.
Expanding the program to include patients with cancer or those with post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Cancer survivors are at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The disease is traumatic. There are also many other stressful events and triggers that could lead to PTSD. It is important to be able to diagnose and treat cancer patients suffering from PTSD. This can be accomplished through a number of approaches.
A comprehensive psychosocial assessment for patients with cancer should include an evaluation of their psychiatric histories. This could include a history that includes traumas that occurred before the cancer diagnosis. It is also important to assess for concurrent conditions that can cause distress.
A structured clinical interview may be used to assess PTSD symptoms in cancer patients. This type of assessment can detect PTSD in adult cancer patients. It also provides a comprehensive assessment of psychosocial functioning.
There are many treatment options for PTSD in patients with cancer. These include medication, relaxation training, and crisis intervention techniques. However, most cancer patients don't get PTSD. They develop symptoms of PTSD either during or after treatment.
Cancer patients who develop PTSD can also be at an increased risk of suffering from other complications. They may experience pain or a decrease in quality of life. PTSD can also affect employment, education, and social relationships. Patients may also avoid professional care. This can increase the risk of suicide and smoking.
It is possible for survivors of cancer to need to be rechecked every 6 months to make sure they are not suffering from PTSD symptoms. They may need to be referred to specialized support groups and treatment to manage their symptoms.
Qualifying patients can get employment protection
Despite the fact that marijuana has been legalized in many states, federal law still considers it a dangerous substance. It's not surprising that some states have taken the initiative to enforce anti-discrimination policies. Illinois has a law that requires all employers to provide accommodation for medical marijuana patients.
This isn't a bad thing, especially since Illinois is among the top ten states for medical marijuana use. Illinois' SS16A-15-4 is an example of the state's anti-discrimination statute. It states that employers
cannot discriminate based on a person's status as a medical cannabis user. Another is the state's cannabis use statute, which protects both the patient and his or her primary caregiver. The state also created a legal framework to allow the cultivation and processing of low-THC marijuana. This is the brainchild of the state's medical cannabis industry.
Only Delaware and Illinois have anti-discrimination policies among the states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. In the case, of the latter, a state statute was adopted in February that bans employers from firing employees who use cannabis during non-work hours.
While the state is still in the process of implementing its own aforementioned anti-discrimination policy, the state has taken a number of proactive measures to ensure that employers are able to comply with the law without risking the employment of qualified medical marijuana patients. One such measure is the creation of a pilot program that would allow qualified patients access to low-THC cannabis without fear of legal reprisal.
Comentarios