When it comes to marijuana legalization in Texas, the laws are very strict. Medical marijuana is legal but only for very limited situations. Lawmakers have even created special laws to ensure doctors prescribe medical marijuana safely and legally. According to the Department of Public Safety, the Compassionate Use Act is one such law.
This act sets up the state’s medical marijuana program. It limits legal marijuana use to only those with intractable epilepsy. It also establishes a registry of physicians who can prescribe low-THC cannabis, which is cannabis composed up less than 10 percent of cannabidiol and less than 0.5 percent of tetrahydrocannabinols. If you are an approved patient, you may not grow your own medicine. You can only get it from a licensed dispensary. In addition, the act stipulates that you cannot smoke it.
Furthermore, you must see a physician that is in the registry and has the legal authority to prescribe cannabis. You will need to see two physicians for certification of your condition and eligibility for the program. You must have a diagnosis of intractable epilepsy and the doctor must sign off that your benefit from the drug will outweigh any risks. Finally, you have to be a permanent resident of the state. If you are under the age of 18, you may need a legal guardian to help you get your prescription.
Finally, the act set up three legal dispensaries that would open in 2017 to serve patients. Lawmakers will have to approve any further dispensaries to open. This information is for education only. It is not legal advice.