While several other states have made drastic alterations in their marijuana laws, including decriminalizing it and even legalizing it for recreational use, Texas has started making its own small changes. Unfortunately, the medical marijuana program that Texas has enacted is so narrow that there are widespread doubts about who will actually qualify.
At the moment, the only form of medical marijuana that the state allows is an oil extract so mild that there is very little chance of any of the approved users getting high. However, in order to get even this form of marijuana, people will have to grow the plant. To obtain a license as a grower, an individual or company has to pay almost $500,000. Furthermore, there are only eight doctors in the entire state who are participating in the program. You may be wondering who will qualify for this limited access. Patients that have a diagnosis of intractable epilepsy and have tried two other treatments are the only people who might be eligible for the marijuana oil extract.
Texas is among more than a dozen other states that have approved restricted access to low level cannabis oil. However, in a state of more than 27 million people that is 800 miles wide, eight doctors and three dispensaries does not stretch very far. Patients will often have to drive hours to receive the treatment they need.
The dispensaries themselves have to abide by very tight regulations as well. In addition to a licensing fee that is 80 times more that what the original motion recommended, growers must install a surveillance system that covers every single square of the facility and keep the footage for a minimum of two years.
While other states are taking leaps and bounds to change marijuana laws, Texas is following the baby-step method. While the marijuana oil extract is legal for a very limited group of people, you could face serious consequences if you do not fall into this group and the police catch with any kind of marijuana substance. This means even a joint might land you in jail and cost you in the form of fines and court fees. If you are facing a marijuana charge in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, keep in mind that you can fight back and possibly avoid a conviction.