News Roundup: Supporters Of Expanded Access To CBD Oil Testify Before Senate Panel

Our daily look at Texas headlines.

By Becky FogelMay 17, 2019 2:14 pm

The Standard’s news roundup gives you a quick hit of interesting, sometimes irreverent, and breaking news stories from all over the state.

A panel of Texas senators heard testimony Friday on a bill that would expand the conditions eligible for medical cannabis oil.

The bill, which already passed the Texas House, is from Republican State Rep. Stephanie Klick. She was behind the Compassionate Use Act the state legislature enacted in 2015. It allows Texans with intractable epilepsy to legally access low-THC CBD oil.

Under House Bill 3703, those with any type of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and spasticity would be eligible too. Jacqueline Fuller of Round Rock testified in favor. She told members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee she has MS and access to medical cannabis oil would be a big help.

“There is scientific evidence showing that cannabis derivatives can improve symptoms of MS, what I’m asking for is the opportunity to work with my neurologist – Dr. Fox – to find a dose that is optimal for my unique symptoms,” Fuller said.

The Texas legislative session ends in about 10 days.




More than half of the 300 Customs and Border Protection officers who were reassigned from South Texas ports of entry have returned to their home ports. Norma Martinez with Texas Public Radio has more:

South Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar says the officers were part of a larger group of 545 who were moved to assist Border Patrol with humanitarian efforts at the border.

The Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday it plans to temporarily reassign 175 law enforcement officials, and as many as 400 personnel from security operations, to assist efforts at the southern border.

Cuellar called on CBP to create entry-level positions to perform humanitarian-related duties, instead of utilizing personnel vital to trade and airport security.




The statewide gas price average in Texas dipped 1 cent this week to $2.58 a gallon for regular unleaded fuel. Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas says it’s the first time in three months gas prices are trending downward.

“However, I would caution before you get over-excited about that that this is likely just going to be temporary because there are several factors that are out there that could cause gas prices to go up in the coming weeks,” Armbruster says.

Those factors include the impact of Chinese tariffs, warmer weather and demand over Memorial Day weekend.




A Texas woman whose pet tiger was found caged in a foreclosed Houston home is due in court on May 22.

Twenty-four-year-old Brittany Garza was arrested earlier this week, and is facing a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to a nonlivestock animal. The local ABC affiliate KTRK interviewed Garza on Wednesday before her arrest.

“I’m willing to face the consequences even though he’s never been cruelly treated, and he’s always had food and water,” Garza said.

The Houston Chronicle reports the 350 pound male tiger was found sitting atop rotting meat and trash.