https://traviscountycriminalattorney.com/2021/07/14/drug-lawyer-austin/ Cannabis Policy in Texas: An Update on the Texas Compassionate Use Program

1. Cannabis Policy in Texas: An Update
on the Texas Compassionate Use
Program
Drug Lawyer Austin – The 87th Texas State Legislature session
which ended on May 31, 2021, saw several bills regarding
cannabis policy get presented by lawmakers. Only two of those
bills were passed from the Texas House to the Senate this session,
and then on to Gov. Greg Abbott to await his signature for
designating it a state law. One of the bills approved by the Texas
Legislature, House Bill 1535, is among the most significant
legislation passed.
House Bill (HB) 1535 was a bipartisan measure presented to
expands the Texas Compassionate Use Program, a program that
began with the passage of the Texas Compassionate Use Act in
2015. The program which allows registered doctors to prescribe
low-level tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) medical cannabis to Texas
patients who meet specific criteria or have qualifying illnesses was
expanded once before in 2019.
Filed by Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) and backed by
several other lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, HB 1535
expands the Texas Compassionate Use Program to allow patients
with all forms of cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
to receive prescriptions for medical marijuana. (These conditions
were added to previous ones covered under the original law,
including specific types of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism,
spasticity, an incurable neurodegenerative disease, and terminal

2. cancer.) Further, the bill raises the maximum allowable level of the
compound THC in medical cannabis from 0.5 percent to one
percent, and also creates research programs for the study of low-
THC cannabis use for the medical treatment of some patients.
Although several cannabis reform bills were introduced during the
Texas 2021 Legislative session, only HB 1535 was approved.
Though lauded by pro-cannabis reform activists as a step in the
right direction, many still believe the bill did not go far enough.
They say they will continue to advocate for greater expansion of
the Compassionate Use Program, as well as for other cannabis
policy reforms. Gov. Abbott allowed HB 1535 to become law
without his signature. It will go into effect officially on September
1st, 2021.
As recently as July 13, 2021, U.S. Senate Democrats have drafted
legislation to end the federal ban on marijuana. These issues and
related criminal sanctions continue to evolve.
The laws relating to cannabis—especially marijuana possession
and use—are constantly being scrutinized in America. Cannabis
policy reform is an ongoing effort across the United States,
including in Texas, inspiring political debate at every turn.
Comprehending marijuana laws is important, especially if you or a
loved one find yourself charged with a cannabis-related crime in
Texas. Fighting drug charges requires an in-depth understanding
of cannabis policy and knowledge of how to navigate the legal
system in such cases. If you are worried about having charges
brought against you for a marijuana-related offense in Austin or
elsewhere in Travis County, your best course of action is to seek

3. legal assistance from a caring and competent attorney. Brian
Erskine of Erskine Law, based in Austin, Texas, skillfully handles
many different legal cases, including those regarding drug-related
offenses.
Contact the knowledgeable drug lawyer in Austin and the team at
Erskine Law any time for more information as to how the legal
professionals will be able to address your case.