A majority of Texas voters polled say they're in favor of the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Over two dozen bills have been introduced by both Democrats and Republicans in the current Texas legislative session. Is the tide about to change when it comes to legalization of cannabis?
Advocates Hope Texas Will Ease Medical Marijuana Restrictions By Sami Sparber, The Texas Tribune and Aria Jones, The Texas Tribune | January 7, 2021
Five years after Texas legalized medical marijuana for people with debilitating illnesses, advocates and industry experts say the state’s strict rules, red tape and burdensome barriers to entry have left the program largely inaccessible to those it was intended to help.
But with a new legislative session gaveling in this month, some Texas lawmakers see an opportunity to fix the state’s medical cannabis program known as the Compassionate Use Program by further expanding eligibility and loosening some restrictions so Texas’ laws more closely resemble those of other states that allow the treatment.
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Texas’ medical marijuana program is one of the most restrictive in the country. Advocates hope the Legislature will change that. Wednesday, 06 January 2021
Five years after Texas legalized medical marijuana for people with debilitating illnesses, advocates and industry experts say the state’s strict rules, red tape and burdensome barriers to entry have left the program largely inaccessible to those it was intended to help.
But with a new legislative session gaveling in next month, some Texas lawmakers see an opportunity to fix the state’s medical cannabis program known as the Compassionate Use Program by further expanding eligibility and loosening some restrictions so Texas’ laws more closely resemble those of other states that allow the treatment.
Even in Wyoming, there is now a majority for marijuana legalization. (kr.usembassy.gov)
Marijuana Policy
Florida Marijuana Legalization Bill Filed. In a bid to fend off a marijuana legalization initiative in 2022, state Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-Pinellas County) has filed a bill to achieve that goal legislatively. He filed a similar bill last session. The way you convince your colleagues is to sit down with them and say, guys, we can can either deal with this at our level or the people of the state of Florida are going to deal with it via constitutional amendment, said Brandes. The bill is not yet available on the legislative web site.