On Monday, May 19, the Senate State Affairs Committee hosted a very quick hearing for HB 46, Chairman King’s medical cannabis bill.. WATCH: https://senate.texas.gov/videoplayer.php?vid=22199&lang=en (@54:05)
“There will be a committee substitute, but we haven’t gotten it back from legislative council yet.” - Sen. Perry
Sen. Perry did acknowledge that cannabis is medicine and patients should have access to it. He also implied that the viability of this bill is dependent upon the success of SB 3 banning “intoxicating” hemp.
We knew that was the game they’re playing, but to hear it so clearly this morning really puts into perspective the fact that they are holding medicine hostage in order to fulfill their goals of hemp THC prohibition.
The committee will take up the bill again when their revised draft is ready. Since they took testimony at today’s hearing, they will not be required to hear from people again. Seems like a disservice to have this hearing when the new version of the bill is still unwritten.
When we’ve seen the new draft, I’ll be sure to share an overview. Onward!