AUSTIN, Texas - More Texas patients now have access to medical cannabis since the state expanded the Compassionate Use Act last session. That's led to more businesses wanting to get on board with hemp production.
- Texas opening up application process to grow medical cannabis
- Only three applicants were granted a license two years ago
- Hopefuls will try again
Two years ago, 43 applicants applied to legally grow marijuana for medical purposes in Texas, but only three were granted a license. Now, the state will open up the application process again.
Hans Enriquez works at Lazy Daze Cafe in Austin. He was one of the 43 who applied, and was denied in 2017. Now that the state's medical marijuana program has been expanded to serve more patients, he’s going to apply again.
"We received a letter from DPS that we do not have to start the whole process over, so really it's going to take a little revisions and our application is still pending with DPS," Enriquez said.
Enriquez hopes his would-be growing operation, Craft Harvest, will help to boost the Texas economy.
"You know, an influx of work and labor and potential jobs for a lot of people," said Enriquez.
The Texas Association of Business isn't convinced there's a boom on the horizon. In a statement they told us, "The Texas Association of Business does not perceive this limited application of low-THC prescriptions as having an immediate, notable financial impact on the Texas economy."
Enriquez is seeing green though, in more ways than one, and says many others are, too.
"It's going to be fiercely competitive," said Enriquez.
The expansion of the Compassionate Use Act means people with all types of epilepsy, neurological disorders, autism, spasticity, multiple sclerosis and terminal cancers are eligible to use the drug.