House Bill (HB) 46 was approved by Texas House of Representatives. This comprehensive measure aims to expand significantly the Compassionate Use program (TCUP) in Texas. Ken King (R Canadian) introduced the bill, which seeks to increase patient eligibility and diversify products, as well as improve access at dispensaries across Texas.
Principal Provisions of House Bill 46
Extended Qualifying Conditions
In HB 46, it is proposed to include several conditions on the list that are eligible to receive medical cannabis treatments. These include:
- Chronic Pain
- Glaucoma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal neuropathy
- Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and more
- Degenerative disc disease
- Palliative or hospice care for patients with terminal illness
The Texas Department of State Health Services is also empowered to include additional conditions in the eligibility criteria at their discretion.
Veteran Access
HB46 would allow honorably-discharged veterans to access medical marijuana for any type of condition. It recognizes the special healthcare needs that these veterans have.
Different Product Forms
Cannabis products can be sold in a variety of forms.
- Patches
- Buy Lotions
- Suppositories
- Inhalers
- Nebulizers
- Vaping devices
Patients will have more choice in terms of medical treatment with this expansion.
A greater number of dispensaries are now available
To increase accessibility, HB46 mandates that the Texas Department of Public Safety issue 11 licenses for dispensing, ensuring there is at least one per region of public health in the state. The bill also allows licensed dispensaries with the approval of the state to open satellite locations, which will improve patient accessibility.
Context of the Legislative Process and Outlook
HB 46 is the biggest overhaul to Texas’ medical cannabis program that has occurred since it was established in 2015. It is clear that the passage of the bill in the House represents a bipartisan agreement on the necessity to expand and modernize TCUP so as to provide better service to patients throughout the state. This legislation is now sent to the Senate.