AUSTIN, Texas -- As the midterms inch closer, Texans will see their share of political campaign ads pop up on their TV screens.
But on top of the typical onslaught of election year spots, some rural Texans will see a different kind of ad.
"Medical cannabis isn't legal for most Texans and that's just not right," says a man in a cowboy hat.
The new cable ad is produced by a group called Foundation for an Informed Texas. They're pushing for the expansion of marijuana laws in the state. Right now, only a person suffering from intractable epilepsy can be prescribed cannabidiol, or CBD oil, with recommendations from two doctors.
“We were hearing from a lot of people that they were looking for options to opioids or over-the-counter drugs,” said Jax Finkel, executive director of Foundation for an Informed Texas.
Finkel said they're trying to ease negative attitudes about medical marijuana ahead of the 2019 legislative session.
“Medical cannabis is a plant that you can extract different types of ingredients from,” she said. “But the fact of the matter is there’s different aspects of the plant that help different conditions, and people find when they take it they’re usually able to reduce some of their prescription use.”
Click the video link above to watch the ad and the full interview with Finkel.