Texas’ medical marijuana program is one of the most restrictive in the country. Change is needed!

BY SAMI SPARBER AND ARIA JONES JAN. 4, 20215 AM

With a new legislative session gaveling in next month, some Texas lawmakers see an opportunity to fix the state’s medical cannabis program — known as the Compassionate Use Program — by further expanding eligibility and loosening some restrictions. Credit: Getty Images/Patrick Morrissey

Five years after Texas legalized medical marijuana for people with debilitating illnesses, advocates and industry experts say the state’s strict rules, red tape and burdensome barriers to entry have left the program largely inaccessible to those it was intended to help. But with a new legislative session gaveling in next month, some Texas lawmakers see an opportunity to fix the state’s medical cannabis program — known as the Compassionate Use Program — by further expanding eligibility and loosening some restrictions so Texas’ laws more closely resemble those of other states that allow the treatment. There are 3,519 Texans registered with the state to use medical marijuana, though advocates say 2 million people are eligible based on current law.