As of September 1st, 2023, Texas will see the implementation of 774 new bills, including specific sections from an additional 19 bills. This significant legislative change is part of the developments during the 88th Texas Legislative Session. These new laws encompass various areas, with some already in effect and others set to be enacted at later dates.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a pivotal statement, rescinding a prior memorandum that provided guidelines for federal marijuana enforcement policy. This change signifies a shift in the federal stance, emphasizing the enforcement of laws passed by Congress. For detailed insights on this topic, you can visit New Laws Effective September 1st.
Texas law, specifically under the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481, categorizes tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) in penalty group 2, influencing the criminal penalties associated with marijuana. The sections 481.120 and 481.121 clearly define the criminality of marijuana delivery and possession. To understand the intricacies of these laws, refer to the State vs. Federal Law guide.
The legal landscape concerning cannabis, CBD, and related products has evolved rapidly over the past decade in the U.S. Navigating these changes can be challenging, and Texans are encouraged to consult the Cannabis and the Law guide for comprehensive information on both Texas and federal laws regarding cannabis.
Texas’s Compassionate Use Program (CUP) permits specific physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis for medical purposes. The program defines low-THC as derivatives from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, containing no more than 0.5% THC by weight. More details on this program are available at Texas Medical Marijuana.
As of March 1, 2023, 21 states, along with DC, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. These initiatives have removed state-imposed penalties for specific activities involving marijuana. For further information, visit Recently Adopted Cannabis Legalization Laws.
In Maryland, the Marijuana Legalization Amendment, known as Question 4, was passed, allowing adults 21 and older to possess and consume specified amounts of cannabis from July 1, 2023.
Lastly, the Texas State Law Library has been instrumental in publishing legal research guides to assist both self-represented litigants and legal practitioners in navigating the complex legal landscape. The recent legalization of recreational marijuana in California has led the District Attorney’s office to plan the expungement of approximately 9,000 marijuana possession convictions. Further details on this can be found in the Recreational Use section of the Cannabis and the Law guide.
The Texas Compassionate-Use Act regulates the use of low-THC cannabis for treating certain medical conditions. Recent legislation, including H.R. 2 and House Bill 1325, focuses on the regulation of hemp growth with THC concentration below 0.3% by dry weight. For more information on these legal aspects, refer to the Cannabis and the Law guide.
