HB 1535 could help Texans find relief

From Megan Wehring

Jax Finkel watched a close friend take prescription after prescription for relief from Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) pain, but the dozen of pills only caused more suffering. Using cannabis as a treatment enabled him to be with his family and become an advocate for his fellow patients in the remaining time.

“It reminds me why patients should have more control over their medical decisions and therapies under the guidance of their doctors,” said Finkel, executive director of Texas NORML, a pro-marijuana organization, “why qualifying conditions essentially select winners and losers by going behind patients and how much a plant can empower an extremely sick person. “

On September 1, Texans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and any stage of cancer will qualify for medical marijuana under the state’s Compassionate Use Program. According to a June 2021 report by the Texas Department of Public Safety, 6,698 patients are listed on the medical marijuana registry, while only 348 doctors are licensed to prescribe low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis under the program.

“Not many doctors are familiar with THC and its benefits,” said Dr. Zulfigar Shah. “For many doctors this is still a taboo subject. They’re not talking about medical marijuana [in medical school]. If you’ve got a brand new doctor right out of medical school, they’re scared of prescribing something like this. If they haven’t, it’s because they haven’t been briefed and haven’t opened up to further research. “

Shah is a Certified Medical Cannabis Doctor with Texas THC Doctor in Seguin. With only 348 registered doctors in the state, Shah treats patients traveling to his clinic from the city. Hays County only has one doctor who can prescribe low-THC cannabis.

PTSD patients are finally eligible for alternative medications, said Jude Prather of Hays County’s Veteran Services Offices.

“I am glad that our veterans have access to a natural herbal medicine that can relieve their pain and suffering,” said Prather.

Some proponents, such as Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), said the 1535 House Bill was incomplete.

“It is a significant improvement in our existing medical cannabis laws,” said Zwiener. “However, it doesn’t go far enough. The House version of the bill would also have included chronic pain and removed unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. I’m grateful that we made some progress, but disappointed that we didn’t go any further to ensure access for all Texans who can benefit from medical cannabis.

The legislation was originally written to include chronic pain under permissible conditions and to raise the upper limit on THC levels from 0.5% to 5%. But the Senate removed those provisions and lowered the new THC limit to 1%.

“Increasing the level of THC means decreasing the amount of carrier oil,” explained Finkel, “which will result in more effective medicine while [also]Reduce drug costs for patients. Since Texas has to make all legislative changes at this point, it means patients and doctors will be tied for another two years until the legislature meets. “

There are only three dispensing organizations in the state of Texas: Fluent Cannabis Care, Compassionate Cultivation, and Goodblend. In order to participate in the compassionate use program, a patient must receive a prescription from a registered doctor and can then shop at one of the licensed pharmacies for either pickup or delivery.