Texas drug crimes can lead to stiff penalties – including fines and jail time – upon conviction. Despite the state’s current tough stance on drugs, though, some lawmakers have argued for an expansion of medical marijuana programs as a way to help bring the economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, state representatives like Senator Jose Mendez – a Democrat who represents District 26 – have said that the Compassionate Care Act (Texas’ five-year medical marijuana law) must be expanded in the near future. The reason for this proposed expansion would be to allow greater access to medical marijuana for individuals who need it. Currently, the law in Texas supports medical marijuana use for a certain number of limited health conditions, including terminal cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Although using marijuana for limited medicinal purposes is legal in Texas, illegally possessing or distrusting other drugs can lead to serious charges and convictions. If you are currently facing a criminal drug charge in Texas, it is important that you speak with an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Potential Benefits of Expanding the Medical Marijuana Law in Texas
According to some Democratic lawmakers in Texas, there are significant potential benefits to expanding the medical marijuana law that is currently on the books. Right now, approximately two million Texans are medically eligible to use marijuana, but only 3,500 Texans (approximately) are actually registered to use it. This is due to roadblocks that make access to the current program extraordinarily difficult.
Lawmakers also believe that expanding Texas’ medical marijuana program could have potential and long-lasting economic benefits – especially in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These potential benefits include all of the following:
- Benefits to the agricultural community, in terms of allowing people to grow marijuana on their land and potentially helping out the economy in that sector
- Cannabis would no longer be on the “black market” and would be placed into an environment that is regulated
- The number of Texans who have an addiction to narcotic drugs would likely decrease significantly
In addition to the economic benefits, expanding the list of qualified medical conditions and making the program more accessible would be good for Texans personally. For instance, veterans with PTSD could use medical marijuana to manage symptoms. Individuals with pain management issues could use medical marijuana instead of turning to - and likely becoming addicted to - narcotics.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Case Today
Marijuana is still unlawful for most Texans, and if you are facing criminal drug charges in the State of Texas, you want a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side representing you each and every step of the way. The knowledgeable legal team at Granger and Mueller PC is here to help you defend against your criminal drug charge.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Austin criminal defense attorney, please call us today at 512-474-9999 or contact us online for more information about how we could help you defend your criminal case.