House OKs Cannabis Oil in Victory for Marijuana Advocates

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — 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 Senate Bill 339, from state Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler, 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. Parents of children with intractable epilepsy have pleaded with lawmakers all session, saying the oil helps control seizures. A doctor would have to provide a prescription if the law is signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. 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. Other proposals to decriminalize marijuana penalties are unlikely to pass, but made notable progress after years of being stymied.