Doctors should decide if people in Texas should consume medical marijuana, not politicians. That's how Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, argues for the legalization of medical cannabis. On Tuesday morning, he filed Senate Bill 269. This will allow patients with chronic conditions to consume medical marijuana in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
According to a 2015 Texas law, patients with intractable epilepsy are allowed to consume certain types of marijuana. Menéndez's bill is going to expand that law. Menéndez believes, while the present law helps many, it does not allow many other Texans who can benefit from marijuana treatment.
Menéndez is aware of the fact that the legalization of medical cannabis is already a reality in 28 states. But, he believes people in Texas should have their treatment in their own state. He refuses to be treated as "medical refugees," Dallas News reported. Patients should be allowed to get treatment in their own state, he argues.
"This is legitimate medicine that can help a variety of people, from the grandmother suffering from cancer to the veteran coping with PTSD after returning home from war," Patch quoted Menéndez as saying.
The Democratic senator reminds that conservative states like Montana, North Dakota and Arkansas have already legalized medical marijuana. Now, it is time for Texas to stand by its patients who are suffering otherwise, he says.
Menéndez filed Senate Bill 1839, the first comprehensive medical marijuana legislation in Texas. According to him, he also coauthored Senate Bill 339 that allowed patients with intractable epilepsy to consume marijuana.
"It is time Texas steps up to the plate on behalf of our sickest patients. Senate Bill 269 will provide real relief for those who need it most," Menéndez says, as he fights for the legalization of medical cannabis. It will be worth waiting to see if he becomes successful in his efforts.
