Q: Now that the bill has passed the Texas House and Senate and been signed by the Governor – what are the next steps?
A: Effective immediately, certain patients with the following conditions may legally obtain non-smokable forms of low-THC cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries:
epilepsy of all forms
other seizure disorders
multiple sclerosis
spasticity
autism spectrum disorders
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
terminal cancer
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
To qualify for medical cannabis, patients who are permanent residents of Texas and diagnosed with these conditions must obtain a prescription from a qualified physician who determines the risk of low-THC cannabis is reasonable in light of the potential benefit for the patient.
Qualified physicians must be board-certified in a medical specialty relevant to the approved medical conditions by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. The bill also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services Commission to determine the precise definition of “incurable neurodegenerative diseases” for which patients may be prescribed low-THC cannabis for medical use. The deadline for doing so is December 1, 2019.
We will publish more specific updates on the expanded program as soon as we are made aware of them. If you would like to be notified of these changes when they happen,
sign up for updates here. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call our dispensary at
512-614-0343.
Q: What new conditions are included in the CUP?
A: The program is now open to patients diagnosed with epilepsy (all forms), seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, or an incurable neurodegenerative disease.
The bill calls for the Department of Health and Human Services Commission to determine the precise definition of “incurable neurodegenerative diseases” for which patients may be prescribed low-THC cannabis for medical use. The deadline for doing so is December 1, 2019.
Q: What other important changes does the new bill contain?
A: One important change is that this bill removes the 10% by weight ‘floor’ on CBD in our products. This will allow medical cannabis producers like Compassionate Cultivation to offer a variety of THC:CBD ratios that are more tailored to patients and their specific conditions. We will continue to work very closely with physicians registered in the CUP to produce products tailored to optimal dosages for each condition.
It eases some of the restrictions that were proving onerous or burdensome on prescribers and patients. For example, it changes the definition of the word “prescribe” to mean an entry into the Compassionate Use Registry. In addition, the new bill no longer requires a second qualified medical opinion in order to prescribe medical CBD.
Q: When will these changes go into effect and how quickly can I pick up a prescription?
A: These changes take effect immediately. Patients with the following conditions may legally obtain non-smokable forms of low-THC cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries:
- epilepsy of all forms
- other seizure disorders
- multiple sclerosis
- spasticity
- autism
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS
- terminal cancer, as well as
- other incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
To qualify for medical cannabis, patients who are permanent residents of Texas and diagnosed with these conditions must obtain a prescription from a qualified physician who determines the risk of low-THC cannabis is reasonable in light of the potential benefit for the patient. Qualified physicians must be board-certified in a medical specialty relevant to the approved medical conditions by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
The bill also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services Commission to determine the precise definition of “incurable neurodegenerative diseases” for which patients may be prescribed low-THC cannabis for medical use. The deadline for doing so is December 1, 2019.
We will publish more specific updates on the expanded program as soon as we are made aware of them. If you would like to be notified of these changes when they happen,
sign up for updates here. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call our dispensary at
512-614-0343.
Q: Will the formulation be different for each condition?
A: One important change is that this bill removes the 10% by weight ‘floor’ on CBD in our products. This will allow medical cannabis producers like Compassionate Cultivation to offer a variety of THC:CBD ratios that are more tailored to patients and their specific conditions. We will continue to work very closely with physicians registered in the CUP to produce products tailored to optimal dosages for each condition.
Q: Do I still have to have a prescription from my doctor to obtain medical cannabis?
A: Yes. Only a physician qualified with respect to a patient’s particular medical condition may prescribe low-THC cannabis to treat the applicable condition. Prescribing physicians must be board-certified in a medical specialty relevant to the approved medical conditions by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
Q: Who is allowed to prescribe medical cannabis under the new law/bill?
A: Prescribing physicians in a medical specialty relevant to the approved medical conditions must be certified by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
For a list of doctors registered in the Compassionate Use Program, please contact our dispensary
here.
Q: Will medical cannabis products be available at pharmacies and other CBD stores in the state?
A: Medical cannabis products are available exclusively from one of three licensees of the CUP – either at their dispensary or through their direct-delivery personnel. They are not available through pharmacies or other retailers at this time.
Q: I’m a physician who would like to prescribe medical cannabis, how do I find out if I am qualified? And how do I register?
A: Prescribing physicians in a medical specialty relevant to the approved medical conditions must be certified by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. If you qualify, you can register
here.
Q: Who do I call with questions about medical cannabis?
A: As with any medical condition, we recommend you talk to your doctor to see if medical cannabis is right for you. For more general information about medical CBD, please
contact us at texasoriginal.com or call our dispensary at
512-614-0343.
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