On October 6, President Biden pardoned thousands of Americans federally convicted of marijuana possession and asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Attorney General to review how cannabis is scheduled under federal law. Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, and under the strictest schedule, is not considered to have medical value.

However, this classification contrasts with the increasing support for cannabis as a medicine, as medical research and patient success stories continue to grow. In Texas, recent polls have revealed overwhelming bipartisan support for medical cannabis. In particular, a recent poll by Baselice & Associates, Inc. found that 72 percent of Republican primary voters in Texas favored allowing physicians to prescribe medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.

The rescheduling of marijuana would have a far-reaching impact on cannabis as a medicine, including in Texas, where medical cannabis is legal for over 100 medical conditions.

So how does this impact cannabis in Texas? Here’s what you need to know.

What would change?
Moving cannabis to a lower schedule would make it easier to research its medical uses, enabling more clinical trials and studies of its medical benefits. Additionally, a lower schedule classification would be the first step to additional reforms that would lift some of the financial restrictions and regulatory burdens that currently prevent cannabis providers from utilizing banking services, insurance, loans and more.

Is cannabis legal in Texas?
Possession of cannabis remains illegal in Texas, however the state does have a medical cannabis program that allows patients living with qualifying medical conditions to use the medicine.

The Compassionate Use Program, which is overseen by the Department of Public Safety, allows licensed dispensaries to provide medical cannabis to patients with qualifying conditions. Of the three licensed companies in the state, Texas Original is the only dispensary that is Texas-owned and operated. Medical cannabis products must not be ignitable, so the medicine is offered in products like gummies, lozenges, and tinctures.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

The rescheduling of marijuana would have a far-reaching impact on cannabis as a medicine,

To qualify for medical cannabis, a patient must:

• Be a Texas resident
• Have an approved condition
• Receive a prescription from a registered doctor

Under the current Texas law, the approved conditions for medical cannabis include:

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Spasticity (muscle spasms)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Autism
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• ALS
• MS
• Cancer
• And over 100 more conditions

Click here to see a full list of qualifying conditions in Texas.

How do I get medical cannabis in Texas?
Unlike other states, Texas does not use medical cards. Instead, the doctor will upload a digital prescription to the state’s secure online registry, where it can be accessed by licensed dispensaries. Getting a prescription can be completed in just a few steps.

First, schedule an appointment with a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical cannabis. Fill out the form on Texas Original’s website to be connected to a prescriber.

During the appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and confirm if you are eligible for medical cannabis, then discuss your treatment plan.

Once approved, your doctor will add your prescription to the online medical cannabis registry. After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to place your first order. A medical cannabis expert will help you select your products, then schedule you for a pickup at a location nearest to you or delivery.

If you or a loved one are ready to start your journey with medical cannabis, reach out to Texas Original to get started. Plus, enjoy a 20 percent discount on your first order at Texas Original.