The Texas Department of Public Safety’s latest data for October 2023 provides an intriguing snapshot of the state’s healthcare landscape. These statistics unveil a nuanced perspective on patient and physician growth, as well as the current state of medical accessibility in the Lone Star State.

Patient Growth:
In October 2023, Texas witnessed an increase in registered patients, reaching a total of 68,611. This marks a notable 4% growth from the previous month, showcasing the state’s sustained momentum in healthcare utilization. Comparing this figure to the same month in the previous year, the patient count has surged by an impressive 76%, indicating a robust upward trend in healthcare engagement.

Physician Registration:
The state’s physician roster has also experienced growth, with 765 registered physicians documented in the latest data. This represents a steady 1% increase from the previous month, reflecting ongoing engagement and interest among healthcare professionals. Over the past year, the number of registered physicians has seen a substantial 19% growth, indicating positive trends in attracting and retaining medical practitioners.

Patient-to-Physician Ratio:
The patient-to-physician ratio currently stands at 90 patients per physician. This ratio has grown by 2% from the previous month, underscoring the increased demand for healthcare services. Over the past year, there has been a significant 48% growth in the patient-to-physician ratio, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in healthcare access and the importance of optimizing the distribution of medical resources.

Access to Medical Products:
A striking observation pertains to the limited access to medical products for the 68,611 registered patients. Presently, only three active companies facilitate access, with fewer than 30 locations available for patients who actively participate in the program. This highlights a significant gap in accessibility and emphasizes the pressing need for broader availability and increased options for patients to ensure comprehensive and effective healthcare delivery.

Relative Scale:
In a state as vast as Texas, boasting a population of 30,000,000, the 68,611 registered patients constitute only 0.22% of the total population. This statistic serves as a compelling reminder of the considerable potential for further expansion and development in the state’s medical program. The relatively low percentage underscores the opportunity to enhance outreach efforts, engage more residents, and address the healthcare needs of a larger portion of the population.

October 2023 data showcases positive trends in patient and physician growth, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and the availability of medical products in Texas.

Comparison with Florida Medical Market

Florida’s Growing Patient Count

At the end of 2022, Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) reported that Florida had 831,775 registered patients, making up 3.74% of the state’s population. This highlights the increasing acceptance of medical cannabis as a viable treatment option.

Extensive Dispensary Network

To cater to this demand, Florida has 501 active dispensaries, operated by 22 different companies. This shows the competitive nature of the industry and ensures patients have convenient access to their prescribed treatments.

Florida’s Medical Cannabis Program is thriving, with a significant patient count and a robust dispensary network, exemplifying the program’s success and the growing role of medical cannabis in the state’s healthcare landscape.

News on the latest application round

More than 130 applications have been submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety for medical marijuana dispensaries, marking a significant response since the reopening of applications in January after a four-year hiatus.

Despite a recent bill to expand the state’s medical marijuana program stalling in the Senate, the DPS reports no current plans for usage law expansion, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring statewide access to low-THC cannabis for registered patients. For further details, visit KVUE.

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If you’re looking to stay in tune with the Texas Medical market, please check out TexMedCannabis.com

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In a groundbreaking decision, Ohio has officially become the 24th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. With a resounding 57% of voters supporting the ballot proposal known as Issue 2, this victory marks a significant shift in the landscape of U.S. states where recreational marijuana is legal. This landmark decision paves the way for individuals aged 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis while also permitting home cultivation of up to six plants per person and 12 plants per residence if at least two adults reside there. Furthermore, a 10% tax will be levied on cannabis purchases, with the revenue allocated to cover administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, municipalities with dispensaries, and social equity initiatives and job programs.

The passing of Issue 2 signifies that the United States is just one state away from having adult-use cannabis legalized in half of the states. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) notes that the legal cannabis movement has already reached a tipping point in terms of population, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing process of loosening cannabis laws in the country. NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano emphasized, “Today, for the first time since the federal government initiated federal cannabis prohibition in 1937, more people live in a place where marijuana is state-legal than reside somewhere where it isn’t. It borders on political malpractice for elected officials, and for Republican lawmakers especially, to sit on the sidelines at a time when more Americans than ever are demanding action.”

However, it’s worth noting that not all parties were in favor of this progressive change. Republican Governor Mike DeWine voiced his opposition to the measure, and the GOP-led Ohio Senate passed a resolution encouraging voters to reject the initiative, albeit unsuccessfully. Senate President Matt Huffman has expressed his intent to “revisit” provisions of the new law, hinting at possible legislative changes and even a repeal of the adult-use provisions.

Despite these efforts, the outcome of the vote clearly favored those supporting legal cannabis. According to the New York Times election results tracker, 57% of voters approved Issue 2, while only 43% opposed it.

The passage of Issue 2 was not entirely unexpected, as it was driven by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. Prior to the vote, the organization managed to raise more than three times the funding amassed by the opposition group, Protect Ohio Workers and Families.

Businesses across Ohio are now gearing up to embrace the new adult-use cannabis law. NORML predicts that retail cannabis products will be subject to a 10% tax, with anticipated annual tax revenue ranging from $276.2 million to $403.6 million by the fifth year of sales. An additional analysis estimates that the law will create 3,300 new jobs within the first year of legalization.

Various figures within the cannabis industry have expressed their support for this groundbreaking decision in Ohio. Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, highlighted the historic significance of the vote, saying, “Today marks another historic moment for the cannabis industry and for Ohio, as voters have chosen to end Prohibition 2.0 in the Buckeye State. This vote is not just about legalization; it’s a recognition that Americans are continuing to embrace cannabis for well-being.”

LeafLink, a company operating in 30 markets across the U.S., including Ohio, commended the decision, noting that the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Ohio presents a remarkable opportunity for the state. Rodney Holcombe, LeafLink’s Director of Policy, stated, “This vote presents a tremendous opportunity for the state where legal adult-use sales are projected to exceed $1 billion annually. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of legalized cannabis, including job creation, tax revenue for vital government services, and unique business opportunities for entrepreneurs. We urge Ohio officials to promptly enact the law, allowing their constituents to reap these benefits without delay.”

Timeless, a company specializing in concentrates in Ohio, also celebrated the outcome. Joshua Hirschey, President at Timeless Refinery, emphasized the potential economic benefits for the state, stating, “The vote to legalize cannabis in Ohio is a huge win for consumers who have let their voices be heard, as well as a win for the state with the potential to bring in $260M in additional tax revenue, and for operators like Timeless who will be able to serve a wider demographic.”

BDSA, a leading provider of market intelligence for the cannabis industry, expressed its commitment to providing insights for the evolving Ohio cannabis market. Roy Bingham, co-founder and CEO of BDSA, highlighted Ohio’s emerging importance in the cannabis industry, citing the state’s unique regulatory environment and growing acceptance of medical cannabis.

In addition to the legalization of adult-use cannabis, Issue 1, Ohio’s bill designed to protect the right to abortion, was also approved. Provisions in the cannabis law allowing the possession and home cultivation of marijuana by adults will take effect on December 7th, ushering in a new era for cannabis enthusiasts in Ohio.

Source: High Times

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New York has initiated a major expansion of its legal cannabis industry by opening applications for hundreds of new marijuana business licenses. This move follows a slow start, with only about two dozen retailers operating since adult-use sales began last December. The application period will run until December 4, and licenses are expected to be awarded early next year.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced this new application period while emphasizing her administration’s commitment to combating unlicensed marijuana businesses that have proliferated due to delays in the state’s legal rollout. The goal is to accelerate New York’s shift from the underground cannabis market to regulated retailers.

Governor Hochul anticipates a large number of license applicants, aiming for over 1,000 legal cannabis shops within the next year. Simultaneously, the Department of Small Business Services in New York City has launched an educational program for cannabis entrepreneurs, offering training and advice from industry leaders through the “FastTrac” program, with applications open until October 18.

Governor Hochul estimated that over 2,000 illegal marijuana stores currently operate in the state, with a significant concentration in New York City. Legal challenges and a slow regulatory process have contributed to this proliferation. However, the governor expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges and achieving a smoother process by the end of the year.

In addition to expanding licenses, New York is intensifying law enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis sellers. Governor Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James stressed the importance of supporting small businesses and rectifying the harms caused by the “war on drugs.”

Regulatory authorities and lawmakers are actively seeking input to address challenges in the legal cannabis industry, with a focus on social equity and small business opportunities. While there have been some controversial regulatory changes, efforts are underway to expedite consumer access to legal cannabis and provide alternative markets for surplus products from growers.

New York’s efforts to expand its legal cannabis industry and combat the illegal market are progressing. The state aims to transition to a well-regulated industry while prioritizing social equity and small businesses. Challenges remain, and ongoing regulatory adjustments and public input will shape the future of New York’s cannabis industry.

Source: Marijuana Moment

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A coalition of cannabis businesses, represented by a prominent law firm, has initiated a long-awaited legal action against the U.S. attorney general. Their goal is to prevent the federal government from enforcing cannabis prohibition in states where it’s been legalized. These companies argue that maintaining prohibition in state-regulated markets is unconstitutional, endangering public safety and preventing licensed cannabis businesses from accessing essential financial services and tax benefits available to other industries.

The lawsuit was formally filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Western Division. It was brought forward by Verano Holdings Corp., a multi-state operator, alongside Massachusetts-based cannabis companies, Canna Provisions and Wiseacre Farm, and Treevit CEO Gyasi Sellers. Notably, Ascend Wellness Holdings, TerrAscend, Green Thumb Industries, Eminence Capital, and Poseidon Investment Management are “foundational supporters” of this legal challenge.

The plaintiffs are being represented by the law firms Boies Schiller Flexner and Lesser, Newman, Aleo & Nasser LLP. David Boies, the chairman of the former firm, has represented clients such as the Justice Department, former Vice President Al Gore, and parties involved in the case that led to the overturning of California’s same-sex marriage ban.

The lawsuit contends that while Congress originally implemented a cannabis ban through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to curb interstate commerce, which ostensibly gave the federal government a legal basis to enforce prohibition at the state level, lawmakers and the executive branch have since abandoned that mission as more states have embraced cannabis legalization.

The complaint argues, “Despite these changes, the federal criminal prohibition on intrastate cannabis remains in place, an unjustified vestige of a long-abandoned policy. This unjustified intrusion of federal power harms Plaintiffs, threatens the communities they serve, and lacks any rational purpose.”

The lawsuit highlights that even though the federal government has adopted a largely hands-off approach to cannabis in recent years, state-licensed cannabis businesses continue to face unique financial challenges. These include a lack of access to banking services, credit cards, and federal tax deductions, specifically under IRS code 280E. Because of these limitations, state-regulated cannabis businesses are forced to rely heavily on cash, leading to significant public safety risks and making them targets for robberies.

The lawsuit further argues that the existing federal ban on cannabis, as outlined in the CSA, constitutes an unconstitutional encroachment on state sovereignty. It contends that Congress has the authority to regulate cannabis in interstate commerce but lacks the constitutional power to regulate it when it’s grown, transported, and distributed intrastate.

The lawsuit delves into the history of cannabis laws in the United States, highlighting that prohibition is a relatively recent policy shift following over a century of legal use and cultivation to some extent. It also points out that the original justification for banning cannabis under the CSA, aimed at preventing interstate commerce, no longer applies.

The legal action is taking place as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reviews cannabis scheduling following a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. While rescheduling could address certain tax-related issues for the industry, it wouldn’t fully legalize cannabis or permit intrastate commerce.

This lawsuit is significant for the cannabis industry, particularly for smaller businesses that have suffered from the unequal treatment and financial burdens caused by the federal government’s policies. The plaintiffs hope to set a new precedent that will allow states to regulate and support cannabis businesses under their own guidelines. The legal battle is expected to proceed, with the possibility of reaching the Supreme Court in the near future, potentially leading to a permanent change in how the federal government handles cannabis.

Source: Marijuana Moment

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