Three reform bills are coming to Texas, two of which did not receive a signature from Governor Greg Abbot (R). Because he also didn’t veto the bills he didn’t sign, they now become law.

Medical Cannabis Expansion

The one bill that Governor Abbot did sign was HB 1535. It’s a modest expansion to the state’s current medical cannabis program. Cancer and PTSD became added as qualifying conditions to the program. Plus the THC concentration limit doubled, rising from 0.5 to one percent. 

This is not how the bill had originally been structured. Chronic pain was also a listed qualifying condition, and the THC concentration limit went up to five percent instead of just one. The Senate made changes to the bill before sending it on to Governor Abbot for his signature. He announced on Twitter that he would sign the bill, as it helps more veterans gain access to medical cannabis. The bill became approved on June 15th. It is set to begin September 1, 2021.

HB 567

The first bill that Governor Abbot did not sign is HB 567. This bill clarifies that a positive cannabis test alone is not sufficient criteria for removing a child from their home. There’s further language to protect a parent who is legally prescribed medical cannabis and is taking proper doses. This bill looks to keep families together. While Governor Abbot didn’t sign it, it will automatically go into effect because it sat on his desk for an extended period of time. It will also begin September 1, 2021

Psychedelic Therapy

The last bill turned into law without Governor Abbot’s signature was HB 1802. It’s not so much a bill, but a measure authorizing a study into alternative therapies for treating PTSD. This measure mandates a clinical trial involving veteran use of psilocybin mushrooms to help with PTSD symptoms. Additionally, a committee will review scientific studies on all three psychedelic substances under the measure: Ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin mushrooms. 

Continued Reform

Texas isn’t the only state moving forward with psychedelic legalization and reform. Most recently, the California Senate approved a bill to legalize psychedelic possession, and legalize safe consumption areas for illegal drugs. Research is also emerging around the positive benefits of psilocybin mushrooms towards depression and anxiety. More research is needed. But psychedelic reform seems to be moving forward along with cannabis reform.

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