Patients fight for legal use of medical marijuana
Jade Mingus, KVUE
AUSTIN -- Patients with cancer, seizures and PTSD are fighting to legalize medical marijuana in Texas -- despite Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's stance against it.
At a news conference at the State Capitol Tuesday, Barbara Humphries was among those pushing for the legalization of medical marijuana. The 31-year-old has endured months of intense chemotherapy for stage three breast cancer. She says marijuana has helped her, and she buys it illegally.
"Before I started using it, I was extremely nauseated. I couldn't eat," said Humphries. "We should not be denied legal access when our doctors recommend it."
State Rep. Marisa Marquez (D-El Paso) filed legislation that gives patients access to the whole marijuana plant, to treat everything from seizures, cancer and PTSD.
"This piece of legislation is a comprehensive medical marijuana bill. Texans deserve a choice when it comes to their health care," said Marquez.
If the legislation passes, Texas would join 23 states and the District of Columbia who already have legal plants. Marquez's bill stipulates the Department of State Health Services would establish a regulated system of licensed marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries.
The head of the House Public Health Committee, Rep. Myra Crownover, says the bill is likely dead in the House. The Texas Association of Sheriff's says they oppose any substance with THC, citing concerns about its effect on children.
http://www.kvue.com/story/news/politics/2015/.../24927505/
Jade Mingus, KVUE
AUSTIN -- Patients with cancer, seizures and PTSD are fighting to legalize medical marijuana in Texas -- despite Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's stance against it.
At a news conference at the State Capitol Tuesday, Barbara Humphries was among those pushing for the legalization of medical marijuana. The 31-year-old has endured months of intense chemotherapy for stage three breast cancer. She says marijuana has helped her, and she buys it illegally.
"Before I started using it, I was extremely nauseated. I couldn't eat," said Humphries. "We should not be denied legal access when our doctors recommend it."
State Rep. Marisa Marquez (D-El Paso) filed legislation that gives patients access to the whole marijuana plant, to treat everything from seizures, cancer and PTSD.
"This piece of legislation is a comprehensive medical marijuana bill. Texans deserve a choice when it comes to their health care," said Marquez.
If the legislation passes, Texas would join 23 states and the District of Columbia who already have legal plants. Marquez's bill stipulates the Department of State Health Services would establish a regulated system of licensed marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries.
The head of the House Public Health Committee, Rep. Myra Crownover, says the bill is likely dead in the House. The Texas Association of Sheriff's says they oppose any substance with THC, citing concerns about its effect on children.
http://www.kvue.com/story/news/politics/2015/.../24927505/
