The opioid problem isn’t getting any smaller, and thus far, no tactics employed, are helping things out. If a new Texas bill goes through, it will officially make cannabis an opioid alternative in the state; giving a much needed replacement to these death-causing drugs. Will it pass, and what else would this new bill change?
Texas and cannabis
Texas is not historically one of the more lenient states when it comes to cannabis; although as a southern state, its made great leaps and bounds in the last few years. Prior to 1973, Texas had the most strict cannabis policy in the US, with all possession garnering a felony charge. In fact, such possession came with two years to life in prison. Luckily, things have loosened up on several fronts, starting with the passage of House Bill 447 in 1973, which changed the penalty scheme for cannabis crimes.
Even so, recreational cannabis is still illegal in the state, and possession of up to two ounces counts as a class B misdemeanor. It comes with a penalty of up to 180 days prison time, and up to $2000 in fines. This applies to state law, though several individual locations have enacted less severe punishment measures.
In 2015 Texas passed medical legislation that allowed the use of cannabis oil with no more than .5% THC, (since updated to 1%). This is applicable with a doctor’s prescription; and happened through Senate Bill 339 aka the Texas Compassionate Use Act. At the time of passage, cannabis oil was specifically meant for epilepsy patients. Since that time, Texas passed a range of bills to cover more illnesses, and loosen cannabis restrictions in general.
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Despite making progress on some fronts, like medical usage, Texas has had a back and forth pattern of progress. For example, as late as 2020, the state banned smokable hemp. In fact, as per Texas drug policy, “Smoke a joint, lose your license” applied, whereby part of the punishment for a drug infraction, was temporary loss of a drivers license. This was officially overturned in 2021. In term of smokable hemp, though the ban was overturned in 2021, in 2022, the State’s Supreme Court reinstated the ban on manufacture and processing of smokable hemp. This still stands.
Interestingly, in 2015, a Texas lawmaker introduced a recreational bill, under a religious pretense. Said Representative David Simpson who created the bill, “I don’t believe that when God made marijuana, he made a mistake that government needs to fix.” The bill, however, never cleared either side of the State’s Congress, and no subsequent effort of this nature was made.
New Texas bill to expand medical industry
Texas passed a couple updates since its original medical passage, in 2019 and 2021. And now, once again, legislation is on the table that would expand it out even further, and which introduces the ability to use cannabis as an opioid alternative. Originally filed at the end of January 2023 by republican Rep. Stephanie Klick, HB 1805 was officially passed by the Texas House of Representatives on April 12th, 2023. The vote was 127-19.
What does this bill do? It’s a cannabis bill meant to expand medical services. This time around, a couple things would come out of it. For one, it would replace the 1% THC cap with a 10 milligram volumetric dose. As per the wording of the bill, it redefines the term ‘low-THC cannabis’ to mean “the plant Cannabis sativa L., and any part of that plant or any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, preparation, resin, or oil of that plant that contains not more than 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinols in each dosage unit.” Thus, it removes “one percent by weight”, replacing it with the 10mg max instead.
The other big thing it would do, is allow cannabis to be prescribed as an alternative to opioid medications for patients with chronic pain issues. As per the wording of the bill, the inclusion would be made for “a condition that causes chronic pain, for which a physician would otherwise prescribe an opioid.” Right now, qualifying conditions are epilepsy, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (incurable), PTSD, and medical conditions approved for research.
Another addition aside from cannabis as an opioid alternative, is that the Department of State Health Services could designate any issue seen as a debilitating medical condition, for cannabis treatment. This would make it so that more conditions could be treated by cannabis, regardless of whether they’re officially stated in the law.
New law to update medical legislation in Texas would make cannabis an opioid alternative
The bill isn’t out of the woods yet, and passed over to the Texas Senate after approval by the House. Should it pass through the Senate, its expected to be enacted in September, 2023. But its already known that making it through the Senate, will be much harder than making it through the House. The Senate is presided over by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch anti-legalization supporter.
An example of this disconnect between government entities related to cannabis was seen prominently in 2019, when the House passed a cannabis decriminalization measure, which stalled out in the Senate. Several other legislative measures concerning cannabis have gone the same way since that time.
Texas and opioids
Perhaps what will ultimately give this bill a good push forward, is that its specifically related to opioids. Opioids have become an incredible problem throughout the US, and beyond. 2021 saw close to 100,000 opioid overdose deaths in just the US, with nothing done on a substantial level to get rid of the problem.
In fact, despite the deaths, and despite every state having some kind of lawsuit against big pharma giants and retailers, opioids are still allowed through government regulation, and doctor’s are still most certainly allowed to prescribe them. While alternatives like ketamine exist (which would realistically prove more useful than cannabis), this is literally pushed down so far, its not a part of the conversation.
What’s the deal in Texas specifically with opioids? According to the Texas Workforce Commission, there were 2,506 opioid-related deaths in 2021, which was an 80% increase from 2020. In 2020, 92% of opioid deaths were from synthetic opioids, in the age range of 0-17. In 2021, the average monthly death rate was 209, up from 114 in 2019. And since 2017, 52% of all unintended deaths from overdose, included use of an opioid.
When comparing Texas to the rest of the US, in 2020, the Texas rate of opioid use was 7.2%, while in America overall, the rate was 5.6%. The top five counties in the state hit hardest by opioids in 2020, were: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and Travis; with deaths of 489, 217, 165, 125, and 109, respectively. It’s fair to say that Texas has a bit of a problem with opioids.
Texas has higher opioid use rate than rest of US
Enough to be a part of lawsuits against 11 different entities. These include four with manufacturing companies: Johnson & Johnson, Endo, Teva, and Allergan. It’s a part of a separate suit with the following distributors: AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. One against retailers: CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. And one with manufacturer and distributor Mallinckrodt, which is now bankrupt. It’s expected that all told (Texas and beyond), these companies are paying in the neighborhood of $50 million in these, and other, suits; and that’s not accounting for future lawsuits.
There’s no saying if this medical expansion bill will pass. However, that it attempts to facilitate some kind of help to opioid users in the way of using cannabis as an alternative for opioid medicines; indicates it might get more traction than other cannabis-related bills. In a state with growing opioid damage, even anti-cannabis holdouts, will eventually have to cave to voter will for help and change.
Conclusion
Cannabis might not be the overall best opioid alternative, but its certainly something at a time when something is needed. What might be a better showing of support for the people, however, is laws that eliminate the legal ability to prescribe and sell these medications. And if you’re thinking we could never as a population handle life without them; its best to remember that not only are there non-addictive alternatives like ketamine, but that we as a species survived thousands of years without synthetic opioids. Just a thought.
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Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana
September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?
With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.
Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.
The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.
If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.
The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.
Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.
Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.
A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.
While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.
Lose yourself in a film
Photo by JESHOOTS-com via Pixabay
Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.
Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.
Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.
It is an odd, odd one – this year election is all over the board, especially for marijuana
This presidential election is turning out to be one for the history books. With Biden dropping out, a Kennedy becoming a major player, AI, and a nation on edge, it is becoming a year which is flustering the public. Few expect a clear outcome the night of the election and worries abound for the results. One key group worried is the cannabis industry, the presidential elections are all over the board for marijuana.
While state legalization is increasing and consumer use is significantly growing, federal restrictions along with chaos in New York and California caused the industry to crash in 2022 and it has struggled ever since. The Biden administration’s last minute push to follow through on the 2020 campaign to help the industry has become a dud. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delayed any action until December, guaranteeing zero industry support for 2024. While all this is bad news, the candidates positions involve and change.
Photo by KellyJHall/Getty Images
In the GOP camp, the presidential nominee has been indifferent toward marijuana. While he doesn’t drink, he seems to flow with popular opinion. He just posted support of recreational legalization in Florida (against his foe DeSantis) and seems to be positive toward the industry. But his team has made it clear cannabis is bad. The GOP Vice President candidate has not be a fan, voted against in the Senate and has been quiet on his stance. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking the place of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in trying to be a cannabis killer.
The GOP has an “extra man” in Robert Kennedy,Jr who has been positioned as a top tier leader. Kennedy is pro marijuana and recently attacked the Democratic Presidential candidate for her history against marijuana.
In the Democratic team, Biden was very slow in supporting the industry. Aside from pardons, which helped some individuals, it took 3 years for him to make a move. Thousands of small mom and pop businesses in the industry placed hope in him, but have had struggled to pay bills. A seasoned policy lawmaker, it seems Biden’s team played a reschedule date game to see if they can convince younger voters. When it wasn’t needed, the DEA left the cannabis industry to twist in the wind. Harris has changed from being anti-marijuana during her time in California to being seemingly open to increased legalization. She has brought it up in her campaign, but it isn’t a major policy plank.
The only clear record is the Democratic Vice Presidential Tim Walz. As Governor of Minnesota, he has been a clear champion of legal cannabis. He seems to understand the medical benefits, the economic value to states, how it supports mom and pop businesses, can help veterans and reduces crime. He seems to be the only real champion.