AUSTIN, Texas -- The 85th Texas Legislative Session is officially over. Thousands of bills were filed, but only a few hundred made it through.
Despite a big push this year, marijuana reform advocates were among those who saw their priorities fall flat.
They held their biggest Advocacy Day ever and made personal pleas on the steps of the State Capitol.
Still, those pushing to broaden Texas' Compassionate Use Act came up short this session.
"It certainly is disappointing that meaningful legislative reform didn't happen this session," said Heather Fazio, Marijuana Policy Project Texas Political Director.
"We had a bipartisan approach. We had 77 co-authors in the House on that legislation, that were supportive of its efforts and we were not successful this legislative session," said Rep. Jason Isaac R – Dripping Springs.
State lawmakers created the Compassionate Use Act back in 2015. It allows doctors to recommend a marijuana extract called CBD oil to treat children with certain forms of epilepsy.
But advocates say the current law leaves many patients, and parts of the plant, out.
"Autism, terminally ill cancer patients, other people with neurological disorders," said Isaac.
Isaac fought to let doctors decide which part of the plant is best for patients.
He also wanted to expand who could use medical marijuana.
"[We wanted to expand that], to include Autism, terminally ill cancer patients, other people with neurological disorders. We had a bipartisan approach, we had 77 co-authors in the House on that legislation, that were supportive of its efforts and we were not successful this legislative session," said Rep. Jason Isaac, R- Dripping Springs.
Supporters also wanted veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to be able to access medical marijuana.
Another bill marijuana reform advocates wanted to see passed was legislation that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
"Between 60,000 and 70,000 Texans are arrested annually for the simple possession of marijuana," said Fazio.
And while it wasn't the outcome they had hoped for, they say sometimes reform just takes time.
"We're going to continue to stay engaged, educate lawmakers, empower families and individuals that have stories to tell because that's really what moves the ball on this issue," said Fazio.
Cannabis is legal for medical use in 29 states. Advocates say they'll continue to fight for Texas to follow suit.
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