EXCLUSIVE: Cannabis Compliance Expert Cautiously Optimistic About Marijuana Reform In Texas

Texas lawmakers made several legislative moves regarding cannabis regulations these past two months. The Texas House Public Health Committee passed a bill from Rep. Stephanie Klick (R) on March 20th, under which doctors can recommend medical marijuana instead of opioids to patients with chronic pain caused by a myriad of conditions. The House of Representatives passed a bill filed by Rep. Joe Moody (D) to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis on April 26th in a voice vote. The House Bill will allow adults over 21 to use, possess and transport up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and provides for expungement for conviction of small amounts of weed.

Wanting to learn more about the marijuana industry in the Lone Star State and the recent milestones, Benzinga spoke with Kim Stuck, founder and CEO of Allay Consulting, a cannabis and psychedelic operational compliance consulting company that works with local and state regulations as well as the FDA, cGMP, GACP, OSHA, ISO and USDA Organic certifications.
While not certain that HB 3652 would reach the governor's desk this time around, Stuck is optimistic it will happen eventually. “This has happened in many other states and I would love to see it happen in Texas.” 

Benzinga asked Stuck if the Texas House bill allowing medical marijuana to be used as an opioid alternative would pass the full Senate and ultimately get the governor’s signature.
"I think this bill will benefit many people who struggle with addiction to opioid pharmaceuticals. There are many studies that show a reduction in opioid prescriptions in states that have medical cannabis. I am not sure if this will pass, but I am cautiously optimistic about it," she said.

Stuck talked about what Texas' medical marijuana program most lacks, which she says is allowing people to consume cannabis in smokable form. 

"I don’t think this is a good way to go about legalization, since many people easily get too high on edibles, and can control their dosages easier with smokable flower. I like that they increased the dosage to 10mg instead of 1%. That will definitely make it easier and more effective for patients."

How difficult is it to obtain a medical marijuana dispensary or cultivation license in Texas, compared to other medical marijuana states?
"The applications are about as extensive as other states, and definitely competitive. But getting a license is absolutely doable if you have the right assistance and team in place," Stuck said.

What's next for cannabis regulations in Texas? How will the changes affect the health of Texans?
"Once the medical program gets going they will begin to see the gaps in the regulations and can take moves to close them. Every first set of regulations in every state gets revised over and over again until they start to make sense," Stuck replied. "Texas will be the same. Regulations, fortunately, are not written in stone, and I believe they will loosen up a bit over time."

Assuming that federal legalization will eventually happen, Stuck told Benzinga that she and her clients are getting prepared.
"Many of our clients are getting cGMP Certified to help their consumer safety, worker safety and overall brand trust in the industry. Eventually, cannabis will be federally legal," she said. "So preparing for it now is what many companies are doing to be proactive. Just something to keep in mind."

Photo: Courtesy of Allay Consulting