AUSTIN (KETK) – A bill in the Texas Legislature this session could expand accessibility to medical marijuana.
House Bill 1805 was approved by the House Public Health Committee on Monday. It’s author, Representative Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth), said it would add a new condition to the state’s current Compassionate Use Act.
Currently, the following conditions are approved for medical marijuana prescriptions under the Texas Compassionate Use Act:
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spasticity
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Autism
- Cancer
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- An incurable neurodegenerative disease
HB 1805 would make those with conditions “that cause chronic pain, for which a physician would otherwise prescribe an opioid” and other “debilitating medical conditions” eligible under the Compassionate Use Act.
“Chronic pain that would otherwise be treated with an opioid and debilitating medical conditions defined by the Department of State Health Services,” Klick said.
Texas Original, a medical cannabis provider with a pickup location in Nacogdoches, has declared their support. Interim CEO at Texas Original, Nico Richardson, said this bill would help East Texans suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, joint pain and back pain that lasts…
