Texas Cannabis Policy Conference Sparks Hope for Reform as 200 Advocates Gather in College Station

Austin, Texas — An Exciting Week Ahead for Cannabis Advocates

This week, approximately 200 policymakers, doctors, patients, and advocates from across the nation are gathering at Texas A&M University for the highly-anticipated Texas Cannabis Policy Conference. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as participants prepare to engage in meaningful discussions about cannabis policy reform in the Lone Star State.

The timing of this event couldn’t be better, as a recent poll from the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project revealed that a whopping 68% of Texans support eliminating jail time for marijuana possession. Currently, Texas has a limited medical marijuana program that allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for specific medical conditions, including cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism.

Patient Stories Shine Light on Cannabis Benefits

One of the key figures at the conference is Terrance Baugh, the Community Relations Manager for Goodblend, a licensed dispensary participating in the state’s Compassionate Use Program. Baugh emphasizes the diverse range of patients benefiting from cannabis. “The relief from the products really kind of expands beyond them to their family structure as well too because everyone’s seeing a difference in their behaviors,” he shared with a warm smile as he prepared for the conference.

The conference also features research from Texas A&M University, which has been actively studying cannabis under the guidance of Heather Fazio, a board member for Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy. “We’re going to be featuring some of those student researchers and the faculty doing that on campus,” Fazio informed us, showcasing the university’s commitment to furthering cannabis research.

Goals of the Conference and Legislative Hopes

As the conference progresses, the advocacy group has set three primary goals for the upcoming Texas legislative session:

• Statewide decriminalization of marijuana possession
• Expansion of the state’s limited medical marijuana program to include chronic pain
• Tighter regulation of hemp laws including age restrictions, packaging requirements, and improved testing

Fazio pointed out the importance of enforcing the existing regulations, remarking, “Most importantly, we need to enforce the regulations that are on the books.” Although past legislative sessions have seen reform bills face challenges in the Texas Senate, Fazio is feeling hopeful about the current situation. “We’re already seeing more progress in the Texas Senate than we’ve seen before,” she noted, excitedly.

Engagement with Lawmakers and Future Prospects

One influential figure at the conference is Senator José Menéndez from San Antonio, who is a member of the State Affairs committee focused on the hemp industry. He expressed his eagerness to learn from the experiences of other states. “I want to learn what other states are doing that’s working well,” Senator Menéndez remarked, adding, “I want to learn what mistakes other states are doing.”

The senator has plans to re-file his bill from previous sessions that aims to allow physicians to prescribe full medical marijuana. “The government needs to get out of the exam room and let the doctor and the patient make the decision that’s best for them,” he emphasized with conviction.

Baugh echoed similar sentiments, providing insight into the logistical challenges faced by dispensaries. He hopes lawmakers will pass legislation allowing dispensaries to store products overnight, an adjustment that would substantially ease operational burdens. “We have to go to our one facility that they allow us to bring it to every day,” Baugh explained, outlining the challenges faced by dispensaries that limit accessibility for patients.

Details on the Conference

The Texas Cannabis Policy Conference runs from Thursday, September 12, through Saturday, September 14, in College Station. Significantly, the session will mark a pivotal time for Texas lawmakers to start filing bills beginning on November 11, with the official legislative session kicking off on January 14, 2025.

This gathering stands as a beacon of hope for many who advocate for cannabis reform, creating an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and future policy changes that could significantly impact the lives of countless Texans. Who knows what exciting developments may emerge from this week?