Among the US states that have an active medical marijuana program, the state of Texas has perhaps the most harsh cannabis laws. The state does allow the use of cannabis edibles, but this is something that is exclusive to medical cannabis users only.
Texasâ Cannabis Culture
To this very day, the use of cannabis within the state is very limited. Even medical cannabis users donât have access to a wide variety of cannabis products, just like any other US state having an active medical marijuana program. This explains why cannabis never culturally impacted the state of Texas and its residents.
Understanding Texas’s Cannabis Legalization
The state of Texas has a long history of harsh and strict cannabis laws. In recent years, the stateâs stance did change a bit, but mostly the laws are still quite strict and harsh from a modern-day perspective.
History of Cannabis Laws in Texas
In 1931, a Texas state legislation declared that possessing any amount of cannabis was illegal and the person involved would be charged with a felony. This legislation stayed active till 1970 and the possession laws were finally upgraded to have slightly less harsh cannabis possession penalties.
The Adult Use of Marijuana Act
The year 2015 was a revolutionary year in the eyes of many cannabis enthusiasts within the state of Texas. After years of political struggles, the state legalized the use of low-THC cannabis products for patients suffering from intractable epilepsy. Over the years, the state planned to expand its Compassionate Use Act so more medical conditions could be included.
The Legal Status of Edibles
The only legal way to consume cannabis edibles in Texas is via a valid Texas medical marijuana card. Apart from that, there is a THC limit as well set by the state for all cannabis edibles.
As per the state law, each cannabis edible should contain up to or less than 0.3% THC content.
Key Regulations for Edible Consumption
The state of Texas has a very strict stance on cannabis usage. Even registered medical marijuana users have to keep the following regulations in mind,
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Age Restriction: 18 and Over
Only medical marijuana users who are 18 or older can legally consume cannabis edibles within the state. However, It is important to note that registered medical marijuana patients who are not yet 18 but are accompanied by a designated caregiver get an exemption from the set age limit.
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Licensed Retailers: Buying from Authorized Sources
The only legal way to purchase cannabis edibles within the state is via state-authorized sources and dispensaries. Anyone involved in the sales or distribution of cannabis goods, except the authorized sources, will face severe criminal charges being pressed against them.
Packaging and Labeling: What to Look For
As per the state law, packaging for most of the cannabis-infused edible products is tear-resistant to ensure that these products donât fall into the hands of children.
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THC Limits: Staying Within Legal Boundaries
As per the state law, each cannabis edible should contain up to or less than 0.3% THC content.
Where You Can and Can’t Consume?
The state of Texas also clearly mentions the places and instances when even registered medical cannabis users canât consume cannabis edibles.
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Public Consumption: Know the Restrictions
Consuming cannabis edibles or any other form of cannabis in public is illegal and a crime.
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DUI Laws: Driving Under the Influence of Edibles
One of the major issues faced by Texas law-enforcement agencies is the number of individuals driving under the influence of marijuana and other similar products, even when the state law clearly mentions that it is illegal to do so.
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Possession Limits: Staying within Legal Possession Limits
As per the state law, each cannabis edible should contain up to or less than 0.3% THC content. It is important to note that only registered medical cannabis users can enjoy these cannabis-filled delicacies.
Where can I get edibles from in Texas?
As mentioned earlier, the state of Texas has a network of licensed cannabis dispensaries throughout the state. The only legal way to purchase cannabis edibles is through these dispensaries if you have a medical marijuana card.
Final Note
Since the very beginning, the stateâs stance on cannabis use has been quite strict and we don’t believe that something is going to change that any time soon. However, the state of Texas does need to accommodate its registered medical cannabis users more.