URGENT: Call the Lt. Gov. to keep medical cannabis alive!
May 18, 2021Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has referred medical cannabis to the Senate Committee on State Affairs!
May 20, 2021Legislation to expand our medical cannabis program is currently in the Texas Senate and can only be moved forward by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. We are nearing the end of the legislative session.
HB 1535 would make important improvements to the Texas Compassionate Use Program. This bill, aimed to help Texas patients, passed out of the House with a bipartisan super-majority and is sponsored in the Senate by Chairman Schwertner (R), Chairman Bettencourt (R), Chairman Perry (R), and Vice-Chair Lucio, Jr. (D).
However, Lt. Gov. Patrick has still not referred it to a committee. Despite strong support for this legislation Lt. Gov. Patrick seems to think there is not adequate support. There’s still time for the bill to be referred and given a proper hearing, but we need you to take action now!
Call Lt. Gov. Patrick right now to keep medical cannabis alive in the Senate by referring HB 1535 to committee!
512-463-0001
“I am (name) calling about HB 1535. This is a critical bill for Texas Patients. With only a few weeks left in this legislative session, I implore you to refer this legislation quickly so we can ensure its passage.”
Be courteous, but please let them know it’s important!
Don’t have time to call? Email the Lt. Gov. and Texas Senate to quickly advance medical cannabis expansion!
Please CALL YOUR SENATOR!
Remember: Always be polite and courteous when contacting legislative offices. Professionalism is paramount. Here’s what you can say when you call:
“Hello, I’m ________ and I live in Senate District ______. I’m calling about HB 1535, a bill I support that expands the Compassionate Use Program. The bill is sponsored by Senator Schwertner, but hasn’t been referred. I’d like to ask for my senator to contact the Lieutenant Governor and request that he refer the bill without delay. Thank you very much.”
Identify your Texas State Senator and their Capitol office phone number here.
Cannabis Concentrate Penalty Reduction Bill Advances!
Yesterday, HB 2593 passed out of the Senate State Affairs Committee 5-2. HB 2593 will reduce penalties for 2 ounces of THC concentrates from a felony to a Class B Misdemeanor. The next step is for the bill to be sent to Calendars where it will be scheduled for Senate floor debate and vote.
Ask your legislator to support this important legislation!
HB 3948 passed out of the Senate Ag Committee with a vote of 8 to 0. HB 3948 would establish a hemp research program & cleans up some language in the statute. As passed out of the Senate committee, there will be restrictions on Delta8. The bill heads to Calendars to be scheduled for debate on Senate Floor, the last opportunity for amendments. If there is any discrepancy between the House and Senate versions, it will go to a conference committee for negotiation on the final draft for signature.
This change in the law could affect hundreds (if not thousands) of businesses and their customers. If Delta 8 products are important to your business or they have helped you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to your Texas Senator. Identify your Texas State Senator & their Capitol contact here.
Learn how to become a member of our organization. Make a donation towards our important work during the 2021 Legislative Session. Shop at the Texas NORML store.