On June 1, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 339 , which allows the use of cannabis oil that is no more than 0.5% THC and at least 10% CBD for the treatment of intractable epilepsy. The bill requires patients to get approval from two certified specialists. Governor Abbot stated: “There is currently no cure for intractable epilepsy and many patients have had little to no success with currently approved drugs. However, we have seen promising results from CBD oil testing and with the passage of this legislation, there is now hope for thousands of families who deal with the effects of intractable epilepsy every day.”
At a Glance
At a Glance
Year started 2015
Age restriction Minors must have 2 recommendations
Available for purchase in state Yes
Home grow No
Possession limit None
Reciprocity No
Legislation SB 339
Important Legislation & Dates
Important Legislation & Dates
SB 339 , which allows the use of cannabis oil that is no more than 0.5% THC and at least 10% CBD for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
Types of Licenses
Types of Licenses
3 licensed dispensaries
Associated Fees
Associated Fees
The application fee for a dispensing organization license is $7,356
License fees are $488,520 for a two-year period and $318,511 for the biennial renewal, according to the Department of Public Safety. There is a $530 fee for the original registration and subsequent renewals.
Obtaining CBD Oil
Obtaining CBD Oil
The medicinal cannabis available in Texas can have no more than 0.5 percent THC
A patient’s prescribed medical cannabis can be dispensed to the patient’s legal representative. A minor patient must receive two separate opinions from two different doctors certified to dispense medical cannabis.
All patients would have to have tried at least two FDA approved drugs prior to trying medical cannabis
Qualifying Conditions
Qualifying Conditions
To qualify for the program, a patient must be a Texas resident who has been diagnosed with severe epilepsy. He or she must go to a doctor who devotes a substantial amount of practice to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment, and the doctor must be certified in either neurology or epilepsy by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The patient must also have received at least two traditional treatments for seizures, and it must be shown that those treatments were not effective.
Caregiver
Caregiver
Patients and their caregivers are permitted use and have low-THC cannabis for medical purposes as permitted by prescription. Medical cannabis must be purchased from a dispensary in accordance with prescription. Patients must be diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.
Physicians
Physicians
The law requires that doctors must first join a registry before they can recommend CBD to their patients. They must provide information such as the dosages they recommend, how those dosages will be administered and how much cannabis is needed to fulfill the patient’s needs.
