Historic progress for marijuana policy reform continued this week, as three different bills were voted out of Texas legislative committees for the first time ever.

But these bills aren't laws yet - they still have to be approved by the full legislature. We are working hard to get those votes and will keep you updated.

The bills are:

• House Bill 507, by Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso) that reduces penalties for 1 oz. or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a ticketable offense. It was voted out of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.
• House Bill 892 and Senate Bill 339 by Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) would legalize Cannabidiol oils (CBD-oils), a component of marijuana plants that do not produce the “high” associated with ingesting THC. The bills would allow for the state to sell these oils to qualifying patients in the year 2018. The Senate just passed it's version of the bill today!
• House Bill 2165 by Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview) would completely legalize marijuana - and was voted out of committee yesterday.

At this point of session, the CBD-oils bill is the most likely to become law. From the Texas Tribune:

Senators voted 26-5 to pass Senate Bill 339, by Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, which would legalize oils containing cannabidiol (CBD), a component found in marijuana known to treat epilepsy and other chronic medical conditions. If the measure passes the House, by 2018, the state would be able to regulate and distribute the oils to patients whose symptoms have not responded to federally approved medication.

With session only weeks from wrapping up, we're watching closely for any other bills.

No matter what happens, though, the unprecedented progress for marijuana policy reform is something to celebrate!