HB3703 had a caveat in it that left a decision up to another group of individuals outside the legislature. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) was left with the task of defining incurable neurodegenerative disease and the executive commissioner would have the final say on that decision.
DSHS announced recently that a hearing for public opinion would be held at the state’s central office in Austin, Texas along with emailing a list of conditions, definitions, and rule proposals that was pretty extensive. TX MAMMA was courteous enough to post this list of conditions and proposals so that anybody could evaluate and comment as to what they though may need to be corrected or added.
The document sent out contained multiple pages of diagnosis that would be covered under neurodegenerative disease. Even though most of these diseases are rather rare, this list is substantially greater than most would have expected to come from DSHS. The proposal also contained the definition of incurable neurodegenerative disease, along with another section that allows for the department to receive feedback from prescribing physicians allowing them to request that conditions be reviewed and added to the official list of diagnoses in which patients may be prescribe low-THC cannabis oil.
The full open hearing can be viewed at the DSHS website.
Among the people testifying was Jesse Williams of EducatingTexans.org and Texas Cannabis Collective, Chase Bearden of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Heather Fazio of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, and Greg Fowler representing himself and family. Mr Williams full testimony transcript can be read at this link.
Ms. Fazio said of the event afterwards, “While we’d prefer that doctors be completely in charge of who has access to cannabis medicine, we’re grateful to see that the department is working swiftly within the parameters created by the recently expanded Compassionate Use Program. It’s also refreshing to see patients and caregivers continuing to show up as advocates throughout the rulemaking process. Their participation will help shape this program.“
Greg Fowler, who drove from the Sugarland area, is a the parent/caregiver of a daughter with Tourette’s disorder testified to the committee about how this medicine helps with the symptoms of this neurological disorder.
After the hearing, Fowler stated, “There are only 3 medicines that are FDA approved, and the side effect profiles of those 3 profiles are so dangerous that they are not recommended for children. And Tourette’s usually starts around age 7 or 8 (years of age), so its a dicey situation with the meds.”
Later Fowler told Texas Cannabis Collective that not one medicine has been consistent with stopping the tics associated with her tourettes except for cannabis oils, and that from the first dose to the present day that the cannabis plant has been the most successful treatment for his child.
The advisory committee did not discuss details of the documents sent out and only gave a brief possible timeline of when publications would be made available and when more public opinion would be allowed. As more is known it will be reported. Be sure to subscribe to Texas Cannabis Collective (bottom right corner) and EducatingTexans.org (upper right corner).
