Texas is not the only state that has accepted medical cannabis. Texas’ medical marijuana program is only available to patients with certain conditions and symptoms. This article will focus on the qualifying conditions patients must meet to be eligible for medical marijuana Texas.
The Texas Compassionate-Use Program
Texas launched the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) to provide low-THC marijuana oil for patients with certain qualifying conditions. The program, which is heavily regulated, requires that physicians register with the Department of Public Safety of their state before they can prescribe medical cannabis.
Texas List of Qualifying Medical Conditions
1. Intractable Epilepsy: This condition is an epilepsy disorder that is not responsive to standard treatments. This includes seizures that resist antiepileptics and other interventions.
2. Multiple Sclerosis: MS patients may be eligible to use medical cannabis. MS is a chronic neurological disease that affects both the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems. Symptoms such as pain, spasms of muscles, and difficulties with mobility are common.
3. Spasticity: Medical cannabis can be used to treat patients who suffer from spasticity. Spasticity is a condition that causes muscle stiffness and uncontrollable muscle contractions. Spasticity is often associated with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries.
4. Autism Spectrum (ASD): Texas expanded the list of qualifying conditions in recent years to include autism. ASD patients who suffer from severe repetitive behaviors, self-injury, or difficulties with social interaction may be eligible for medical cannabis.
5. Terminal Cancer: Patients diagnosed with terminal disease whose life expectancy is 12 months or lower are eligible for medical marijuana treatment. The goal is the relief of symptoms such as pain and nausea associated with cancer treatment and treatments.
6. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: ALS or Lou Gehrig’s is a neurodegenerative, progressive disease that affects nerve cells that control voluntary movements. Texas allows ALS-affected individuals to get medical cannabis to manage their symptoms.
7. Seizure Disorders: Texas recognizes several seizure disorders, including intractable seizures. Patients with these conditions could be eligible for cannabis-based medical treatment. This includes Lennox Gas taut or Dravet Syndromes that have severe, treatment-resistant seizures.
8. Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects movements. Parkinson’s, although not explicitly mentioned in the TCUP, may qualify for the TCUP under the provision of “a debilitating or similar neurological condition.” “
Conditions and their Associated Symptoms
Texas Compassionate Use Program does not only focus on medical conditions but also on symptoms that can impact patients’ life quality. Some of these include:
Chronic Pain: If you have chronic pain for a prolonged period, and traditional treatments are not working well for you, medical cannabis could be a good option. This can be pain from neuropathy, rheumatoid, or fibromyalgia.
Vomiting and nausea: severe and persistent vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation
Other medical treatments or therapy may qualify patients to receive medical cannabis. The goal here is to improve comfort and alleviate symptoms.
Cachexia (or Anorexia): Cachexia and Anorexia are wasting syndromes characterized by severe muscle and weight loss. These symptoms can be seen in conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and gastrointestinal problems. Medical cannabis could be used to treat such conditions.
Post-Traumatic Disorders (PTSD): Although not listed as a specific condition in the TCUP manual, PTSD can be a debilitating disorder with a major impact on mental well-being. Some physicians might recommend medical cannabis for PTSD patients that haven’t responded well to conventional treatments.
