Posted by Growing medical marijuanas in Texas is legal, but there are specific laws you must follow. In Texas, growing more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana is a felony, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. Moreover, Texas is a conservative state, so you’re best advised to buy your marijuana from a licensed dispensary instead of growing it yourself. You’ll need a cultivation license to grow more than two pounds of marijuana.
First, you must have a prescription from a doctor who is registered with the Texas Compassionate Use Registry, or CURT. This registry has strict rules for doctors and patients. Patients must be Texas residents, have a proper diagnosis, and a state-approved physician’s prescription. You must also be aware of any state laws regarding marijuana, as they vary. You should make sure that you’re registering your business with the right state agency to avoid any problems in the future.
If you’re wondering whether or not Texas is a good place to start a marijuana business, consider these facts. While the vast majority of Texans support legalizing marijuana, lawmakers have chosen to start small, in order to keep the conversation civil and manageable. In March, for example, state rep. Stephanie Klick introduced a cannabis oil bill targeting PTSD patients. The bill was met with many protests from veterans who opposed it.
In addition to medical cannabis Texas, there’s a growing business climate. Many Texas-based businesses want to tap into the lucrative medical cannabis industry. In 2016, 43 people applied for a license to legally grow medical marijuana in Texas, and only three were approved. Now, the application process is open, and more people are hoping to be one of those successful applicants. One of them is Hans Enriquez, a chef at Lazy Daze Cafe in Austin.
However, growing marijuana for personal use is still illegal. A conviction for cultivating even a few grams of marijuana will result in a felony charge. You could be jailed for up to five years if you’re caught with a large amount of marijuana. Meanwhile, State Representative Donna Howard has filed a bill to amend the Texas constitution to make marijuana legal for recreational use. The legislation is a companion piece to the medical marijuana bill introduced by State Senator Jose Menendez.
In 2015, the Texas legislature passed the Texas Compassionate Use Act, making medical cannabis more accessible to patients suffering from intractable epilepsy. This law later expanded the list of qualifying conditions, and now includes cancer, PTSD, autism, and seizure disorders. Under the law, a cannabis product can contain no more than 0.5% THC. Further, cannabis producers in Texas cannot produce products that contain more than 1% THC, making them a safer option for patients.
While cultivating cannabis is not illegal in Texas, it is still a crime, and if you grow more than a few plants, you could be prosecuted. If you’re wondering about how to get a medical cannabis card in Texas, then get in touch with THCMDTELEMED. The severity of the charge depends on the amount of cannabis you’re growing at the time of the offense. Below are the penalties for cultivating cannabis in Texas:
Moreover, if you’re found guilty of cultivating marijuana, you’ll need to be extra cautious when dealing with law enforcement. The District Attorney’s Office is under pressure to pursue drug distributors and dealers, and they won’t hesitate to file charges. So, if you’re suspected of cultivating marijuana, you’d better seek legal representation as soon as possible. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C., can help you build a strong defense.