You may wonder if and when is medical marijuana legal in Texas. Medicinal marijuana has long been at the center of many drug debates. Some believe that it should not be legal, while others tout its beneficial properties in easing pain from serious illnesses. Medical marijuana has been legalized in many states. With a constantly changing landscape for medical marijuana, it’s important to know the laws in your area.
As of 2018, it is now legal but it does have some stipulations and regulations attached to it. Knowing what stipulations are in place for medical marijuana is the best way to make sure you are in compliance and that you are not breaking any laws. Texas is now allowing certain forms of medical marijuana with limits on the amount of THC that the cannabis plant can contain in compliance with the Compassionate Use Program.
Who can get access to medical cannabis? The Compassionate Use Program is limited to patients in Texas with intractable epilepsy. The plants that are being used in Texas must first off have less than 0.5 percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinols, or THC but must not have less than 10 percent by weight of cannabidiol. It is important to note that the strength and potency of the marijuana is being stickily limited. This is both to make sure it is not too strong for patients and to prevent people from using it for recreational purposes.
Those authorized dispensaries are going to be able to dispense only those cannabis plants and cannabis derived products that meet the standards that have been set in order to prevent criminal use. If you have a prescription for medical marijuana, it is likely that authorities will have access to your information in order to prove that you are in fact in need of medical marijuana and have been cleared by a medical professional.
Who determines your eligibility for medical marijuana and in what situations is medical marijuana legal in Texas? You can be prescribed low-THC cannabis if you meet the following criteria.
- You are a permanent resident of Texas.
- You are diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.
- A qualified physician determines your risk of the medical use of low-THC cannabis is reasonable in light of the potential benefit.
- A second qualified physician has concurred with the determination.
While some believe that medical marijuana has the ability to help those suffering from chronic pain, it’s future is still yet to be determined. If you are facing any type of marijuana charges or need an experienced criminal defense lawyer, then contact Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC for a free consultation.
