Roland Gutierrez on Drugs

	Roland Gutierrez on Drugs

State senate platform included legalizing marijuana

In 2020 he was elected to the Senate, in part by running on a platform to legalize marijuana, reclaiming what had been a Democratic district for more than a century from a Republican incumbent who had taken office in a special election. Source: Texas Monthly on 2024 Texas Senate race , Jul 10, 2023

Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD

Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%.

Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21): The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed to weakening any laws against marijuana."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.

Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535 , May 28, 2021

Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates

Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping-- where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem. S.B. 158 creates criminal penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances that are not medically necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.

Legislative Outcome: State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted YES; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.

Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158 , Jun 17, 2011

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