Effective Sept. 1, 2019, the drug laws in Texas broadened a bit as the state expanded the list of conditions that will qualify someone for a medical marijuana card.
Previously, access to the state’s medical marijuana program, or the Texas Compassionate Use Act, was limited to those with intractable epilepsy. The new law now allows those with terminal cancer, Parkinson’s disease, autism and many other conditions to also qualify for a card.
However, don’t mistake this newest step forward toward marijuana legalization as a sign that the state has gone “soft” on drug issues. Here are a few things that you are wise to always keep in mind:
- Marijuana remains illegal under federal law — so you can still be arrested by federal authorities for possession, trafficking and other associated crimes.
- Recreational use of marijuana is still illegal under state law.
- You can be arrested for having drug paraphernalia even if you don’t have any marijuana on you or only have medical marijuana. (Medical marijuana can’t be smoked in Texas and is only provided in oil or inhaler methods.)
People often get into trouble when they are visiting Texas from other states with a more lenient approach to marijuana or where the drug is legal. Or they mistakenly believe that the general trend of the country’s attitude toward marijuana use has spread this far.
If you’ve been charged for any kind of marijuana-related crime, take the situation seriously. Talk to an attorney before you give any kind of statement to the police or consent to any searches. For more information, please continue exploring our website or contact us directly.
