The decriminalization of marijuana in Texas is a significant change in the law. It helps people who need this drug for medical purposes avoid legal trouble and takes away many of the penalties that would come with drug charges. However, there is still a risk of dependency or addiction through a marijuana use disorder. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we can help with marijuana detox to help someone you love to get back on track. Call us at 866.516.8356 to find out more.
Voting to Decriminalize Marijuana
In April 2021, the Texas House voted to decriminalize marijuana and to expand medical cannabis within the state. This decriminalization comes with measures to reduce penalties for possessing marijuana and marijuana concentrates.
The bill decriminalizes the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. Instead of being a Class B or A misdemeanor or felony, a charge for possession will now be a Class C misdemeanor. This misdemeanor doesn’t come with the threat of jail time, which is beneficial to many who may otherwise face jail time for possession charges.
The Medical Cannabis Expansion
The medical cannabis expansion is another part of this legislation. With the new legislation, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain are now added as conditions that would qualify for support through a medical cannabis program. This bill has already passed the House Public Health Committee. It would allow the state’s Department of State Health Services to add additional conditions for treatment through the program at its discretion through administrative hearings.
How Is THC Addressed In the New Bills?
The new bills also address THC use. An additional bill would change how products containing THC would be classified. Possessing two ounces or more of the concentrate would still be a Class B misdemeanor, but amounts under two ounces would not be penalized as harshly as in the past.
What Is the Importance of Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis has its place. Medical marijuana can help control chronic pain. It also can help with chemotherapy symptoms such as vomiting or not feeling hungry, treat the spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, and the wasting syndrome that comes with AIDS.
Experts are still studying the effects of marijuana use. Early studies show that medical marijuana may also:
- Slow or stop the development of Alzheimer’s disease
- Relieve pain from arthritis
- Help control epileptic seizures
- Reduce tremors for those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and similar illnesses
- Reduce pain from Crohn’s disease
As you can see, there are potentially many benefits of medical cannabis. However, that doesn’t mean that the drug can’t cause dependencies or addictions.
Is Marijuana Dependence a Real Thing?
Yes, some people can become addicted or dependent on marijuana. This is known as marijuana use disorder. It’s not as common as some other kinds of addiction, but it is possible among those who regularly use marijuana or who use it in high doses. Furthermore, data has shown that around three out of 10 people will develop a dependency of some degree on marijuana. The risk of this dependency forming is much higher if they begin smoking or using cannabis before they are 18.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston to Learn More
With the legalization of marijuana in Texas, it will be easier to get and use. While decriminalizing the drug does help keep people out of jail, that doesn’t mean that they won’t struggle with marijuana use disorder or other problems associated with drug use and addiction.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we can help with marijuana detox and the effects of using marijuana. Contact us at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how we help with withdrawal symptoms and recovery.
