Texas Medical Marijuana Patient Information
- Texas Cannabis
- Texas Medical Marijuana
- Patient Information
What Conditions can Medical Marijuana Be Used for in Texas?
The medical marijuana program in Texas is not as developed as other states within the nation although there are attempts to increase the coverage provided and the diseases covered. Under the Texas Compassionate Use Act (Senate Bill 339) medical marijuana may be used to treat the following illnesses:
- Epilepsy
- Spasticity
- Terminal cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Seizure disorders
- An incurable neurodegenerative disease
- Autism
What does an MMJ Card Permit in Texas?
Presently, the use of marijuana for any use is illegal in Texas. The Texas Compassionate Use Act allows medical marijuana cardholders to have a variety of benefits. A qualified Medical Marijuana cardholder in Texas would benefit from the following advantages.
- Unrestricted Access to Medical Marijuana Products
Although Texas operates a restricted medical marijuana program, Medical marijuana cardholders can purchase cannabis or any of its derivatives with a THC concentration up to 1%.from any of the three licensed dispensaries across the state of Texas. If you have a Medical Marijuana Card, you can also access assistance from medical doctors on the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas, to help with clarification on dosage and potency depending on the medical condition you have.
Does Texas have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
No, under the current compassionate care program, nonresident cardholders would not be able to purchase cannabis within the state even from licensed dispensaries, without being subject to prosecution, arrest. This is because marijuana use in Texas is illegal.
Under the law, cardholders who are residents within the state can only purchase cannabis or any of its derivatives within the state from the three authorized dispensaries in Texas. Tourists and visitors diagnosed with any of the qualifying medical conditions who possess an MMJ card are advised to purchase marijuana for medical use out of state.
Is an MMIC Valid outside of Texas?
Medical Marijuana Identification Cards issued in Texas are not valid outside of the state. However, with the passage of the amendment to the current law, a medical marijuana identification card issued in Texas can allow the purchase and possession of certain quantities of cannabis without criminal liability in such states. It is important to note that once the law goes into operation in September, Texas would also have a medical marijuana reciprocity program. This means that Texas would recognize medical cannabis cards issued in other states. The states that currently practice medical marijuana reciprocity include:
Is an MMIC Valid in Other Texas Counties?
A medical marijuana identification card issued in Texas is valid across the entire state and will be valid across all its counties irrespective of where the card was issued.
Does Texas Accept Medical Marijuana Cards issued by another State?
Yes, under the newly amended Texas medical marijuana law, nonresident cardholders can use their cannabis cards in texas. Nonresident cardholders can purchase cannabis from any of the licensed dispensaries within the state but they must abide by state laws regarding quantity, use, and purchase.
Does a Texas MMIC Protect Me Under Federal Law?
No, under US federal law, cannabis use is illegal for both medical and recreational use. Even with your Texas MMIC, you would not be protected from criminal prosecution under the federal drug laws. The difference between the proposed Texas Law and federal laws can lead to difficulties in knowing the extent to which these different laws apply. What this could mean to you include:
Federal jobs: If you are already an employee or hope to apply for a federal job in Texas, your employment may be terminated or denied if one tests positive for marijuana
Student financial aid: Even as a Medical Marijuana cardholder, you could lose out on federally-supported financial aid opportunities such as Pell Grant, Perkins Loans, PLUS Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Work-Study programs.
Firearms: Before purchasing a firearm, applicants are required to complete Federal Form 4473, which requires information about illegal marijuana use. Since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, medical marijuana users may be denied from getting a firearm.
Housing: Texas's issued MMIC would not protect you from marijuana use or possession charges if you live on a federally owned property. Such charges may also lead to the loss of any federal housing benefits.
Federal land: The use of marijuana on federal lands or federally owned properties is illegal in Texas. Such lands include:
- National Parks
- Public airports
- Federal courthouses
- Post offices
- Federal buildings
- Military bases
- Ski slopes
Possessing or using marijuana in any of the listed public places remains a misdemeanor for first offenders punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum of one year in federal prison.
