With the 88th Texas Legislative Session concluding, a sweeping number of new bills—774 to be exact, along with sections from 19 additional bills—are poised to take effect on September 1st, 2023. These laws span various topics, including the state’s Compassionate Use Program (CUP), which now permits specific physicians to prescribe low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis for medical purposes. Notably, low-THC cannabis derived from Cannabis Sativa L. and containing no more than 0.5% THC by weight is deemed legal.
The Texas State Law Library offers research guides that are invaluable to both self-represented litigants and legal practitioners seeking to navigate the intricacies of these laws. Meanwhile, the shifting legal landscape concerning cannabis is also addressed through Texas and federal law guides, providing clarity amidst rapid changes in legislation.
In the realm of wills and directives, the Texas Supreme Court has been tasked since 2015 to develop simple will forms. As of 2023, approved forms are available in both English and Spanish for various circumstances, including individuals who are single, widowed, or divorced with children, as well as married persons with children.
On the enforcement front, the Southern District of Texas has been active in addressing drug-related crimes. The recent extradition of a criminal organization leader underscores the ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking.
The legalization of recreational marijuana has also seen progressive strides, with states like California expunging numerous marijuana possession convictions. This movement reflects a broader shift toward the decriminalization of marijuana across several states.
Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of El Paso have recently made significant drug seizures, intercepting a substantial quantity of narcotics. These interceptions are part of the continuous efforts to thwart the trafficking of dangerous substances into the United States.
For those interested in the detailed aspects of these laws, the following resources are available:
- Comprehensive information on the Texas Medical Marijuana Program can be found on the official Texas.gov website.
- Insights into recreational use, cannabis, and the law are detailed in the guides available at the Texas State Law Library.
- The federal status of marijuana and policy disparities between states and federal guidelines are discussed in reports such as those from Congressional Research Service.
- Environmental and natural resource-related legal updates are covered in the ECS Bulletin August 2023.
