HOUSTON – An article that was circulated online Thursday had many people believing marijuana had been legalized in Texas, but that was just a pipe dream.
Many people wrote and called KPRC 2 asking about the article, which stated that the Lone Star State had legalized cannabis. The article appeared to have originated from a website aimed at pranking friends with fake news stories.
Recreational marijuana is still illegal for Texans, and there is only one lawful use for medical marijuana in the state -- treating patients suffering from intractable epilepsy.
What is true, however, is that Texas Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, has sponsored Senate Bill 269, which is aimed at expanding the legal uses of medical marijuana in the state.
Menedez said in December his bill would increase the number of medical condition that qualify for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and allow access to strong forms of the marijuana.
Menendez said his bill requires patients to access medical marijuana under the strict consultation and recommendation from a doctor.
That bill is still in committee.
If approved, Texas would join 28 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing the use of medical marijuana.
Recreational marijuana use is legal in seven states and the District of Columbia.
