Texas Representative calls for more research in marijuana bill

Raney is concerned about the consequences marijuana could have on addiction development and on people with driving disorders

BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas – Earlier this week, the State House Bill 1535 was passed unanimously at the House Public Health Committee level. The bill extends access to medical marijuana across the state.

District 14 State Representative John Raney said there needs to be more research into medical marijuana use so that it is used responsibly and safely.

“This time the bill expands that to 5% medical cannabis and we’ll see how that works. We will do a lot of research on it to make sure it does what we intend and see if there are any other benefits to medicinal cannabis. “Representative Raney said.

The House Public Health Committee voted * unanimously * to pass House Bill 1535, which would increase the number of people qualified to purchase medical cannabis. https://t.co/JkBqhv7fsO

– Haley Williams (@HaleyRhiannon) April 20, 2021

“This time the bill expands that to 5% medical cannabis and we’ll see how that works. We will do a lot of research on it to make sure it does what we intend and see if there are any other benefits to medicinal cannabis. “Representative Raney said.

Raney isn’t into recreational marijuana and said the state doesn’t need it. Instead, he is concerned about the consequences this could have for the development of addiction and for people with driving disorders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, driving while under the influence of marijuana is the second most common form of disability to travel alongside alcohol. High THC risks can alter coordination, eyesight and much more with heavy consumption of the cannabis plant. Additionally, the risk of marijuana addiction is low, about 1 in 10 chances, according to the CDC.

This concern is an example of Raney’s concern about an overhaul and full legalization of marijuana.

Dr. Kirsten K. Shepard, Founder and CEO of Painstoppers Inc, believes that healthcare professionals should decide whether patients are qualified to receive medical marijuana. New studies are shown of increasing benefit, all based on scientific and professional training.

Representative James Talarico’s House Bil 4089, filed on March 12, would fully legalize marijuana, remove previous convictions and use the new tax revenue to fund early childhood education.

Happy April 20th! I’ve filed laws to legalize cannabis, overturn previous marijuana convictions, and use the new tax revenue to fund early childhood education. #txlege pic.twitter.com/3Pi4TGvqM7

– James Talarico (@jamestalarico) April 20, 2021

In addition, legalization would end a stigma on recreational weeds in marginalized communities, Talarico said on Twitter.

“The legalization of marijuana is part of ending the racist war on drugs that continues to target black and brown communities,” he said. “Black Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white Americans, even though both groups use marijuana equally.”