As the 2019 Legislative Session begins, cannabis advocates across Texas are preparing to use their voices to reform some of the worst marijuana laws in the country. In a time when many states are expanding their medical marijuana programs or outright legalizing adult-use cannabis, Texas lags behind with a restrictive, low THC cannabis program for intractable epilepsy only, and leads the nation in marijuana possession arrests.
We spoke to a few Texas veteran from across the state to find out what they seek to achieve this Session, and what can ultimately be expected.
Robert Head is a U.S. Army veteran, serving two tours in Iraq. He owns a veteran owned and operated cannabis company called Blue Cord Farms, which manages caregiver and craft cannabis farms in Maine. However, Head lives in a suburb of the Dallas area. He wants to see the veterans of Texas get the same compassionate access as those in the northeast, where he operates.
Learn how to become a medical cannabis patient in Texas
We asked Robert what he wanted to achieve in the 2019 Legislative Session. Getting legislators to recognize PTSD and other service related injuries as qualifying conditions to whole plant medical cannabis access was a big priority. Not only that, he wants vets and other patients to grow their own cannabis.
“Homegrow would be big. A lot of these guys want off the pills, but don’t have legitimate access. Some of them are on the verge of suicide. Homegrow would help big time!”
We also spoke with Major David Bass, a retired Army veteran having served 23 years. David is the director for Texas Veterans for Medical Marijuana, as well as serving on the board of the Austin, Texas chapter of the National Organization for Reforming Marijuana Laws (NORML).
We wanted to know more about how Texas veterans could get involved.
“First, join a local veteran organization such as VFW, American Legion or Disabled American Veterans. It is important that we fellowship with and support our fellow veterans and show them that vets who use medical marijuana are not criminals.”
Check out our 2022 candidate interview articles and podcasts
“Second, if there is a legalization organization in your area, join and become active in that organization. Lead by example, as we were trained.”
“Third, write a letter to your state Senator and Representative. Always be respectful and professional. Keep it simple – just explain why it is important for veterans to have access to medical marijuana and how it helps us. If you feel comfortable doing so, request to meet with your legislators. These are positive and effective actions that all of us can accomplish.”
Anita Sommers (A.K.A. the CBD Genie) served 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Now, she is a microbiology technician and worked as a phlebotomist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She hopes to see the Texas Compassionate Use Program expand to help other debilitating conditions.
“We need more conditions added to the medical program. As a patient suffering from Ulcerative Colitis (UC), I’m hoping my condition gets added.”
Sommers spends much of her free time traveling the state, educating local Texas communities about the science behind cannabis. She shares the sentiments of Major Bass, as far as veteran involvement. She explained the need for veterans to work within their communities on education and integrating themselves in the social movement via Texas NORML and TXVMMJ.
Read more about the smokable hemp ban in Texas
In his debate with Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez, Governor Abbott mentioned veterans as a source for a compelling argument for medical cannabis. We wanted to know if veterans had faith he would make a move.
“I believe he will,” said Head optimistically. “There is evidence that this issue had an effect on some of the big elections this past year. He understands that the will of the people can’t be ignored. But he can slow it down. So decriminalization will probably happen.”
Major Bass was not so convinced.
“I believe that Governor Abbott has heard from enough veterans, patients and caregivers about medical marijuana that he knows a medical marijuana program is the right thing to do. But he is too politically timid to make it happen.”
He admits that can’t stop Texas veterans.
Read more about Delta-8 in Texas
“I do not know what will happen this legislative session. All we can do is train ourselves to be effective advocates, speak the truth and refuse to back down. After that, it is up to our legislators and Governor Abbott to listen to the truth and be just.”
Read more about Delta-8 in Texas
Anita is not particularly concerned with the Governor’s intentions.
“I can’t speak on behalf of Governor Abbott, we just need to do our part writing our legislators, and keep showing up.”
There is a lot of uncertainty what shape cannabis reform will take this Legislative Session, or how far it will ultimately go. But these brave service members assure Texas that they will keep fighting for freedom, even though their service to this country has ended.