Marijuana supporters are on the brink of a small victory they say is nonetheless significant in the conservative Texas Legislature.
The Republican-controlled House on Monday approved legalizing trace amounts of a marijuana plant extract for medicinal purposes. The cannabis oil wouldn't produce the high associated with other parts of marijuana. It has trace amounts of THC in it.
Parents of children with intractable epilepsy have pleaded with lawmakers all session, saying the oil helps control seizures. Jeff and Shawna Davis have a 3-year-old who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, and she can have up to 100 seizures a day. The medication she is taking does not control them.
"We can't wait 10 years for the FDA to approve a pharmaceutical version of this drug. We need it now," said Jeff Davis.
Since current Texas law doesn't allow any form of medical marijuana, advocates say this has been their most successful Texas legislative session in history.
A doctor would have to provide a prescription if the law is signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Other proposals to decriminalize marijuana penalties are unlikely to pass, but made notable progress after years of being stymied.
