Health care
Health care
BY HANNAH NORTON
BY DANICA LLOYD
Medical cannabis program to expand
3 health care updates from Cy-Fair hospitals
Another perspective
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made outlawing all other consumable THC products one of his signature priorities this legislative session. He told journalists May 28 that Senate Bill 3, the proposed THC ban, would “save an entire generation [from] being hooked on drugs,” accusing those against the ban of being prot-motivated. Earlier in May, House members said the consumable THC ban proposed by SB 3 would close a “loophole” state lawmakers inadvertently created in 2019, when they legalized hemp sales in an attempt to boost the agricultural industry. After House lawmakers passed SB 3 in mid-May, the Texas Hemp Business Council, which advocates for hemp retailers, launched a petition urging the governor to veto the bill. If SB 3 becomes law, it would “harm veterans, senior citizens, patients and consumers across the state,” according to the petition.
Texas senators voted May 27 to expand eligibility for low-THC medical cannabis prescriptions, putting the state on track to build out an existing program that some Texans have said does not currently help enough people. The bill’s nal details will be determined behind closed doors, House members announced May 30. House Bill 46 would increase the conditions eligible for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program and allow doctors to begin prescribing aerosol and vaporized medical cannabis products, such as inhalers and vaping devices. The bill would allow 12 medical cannabis dispensaries to operate in Texas, up from three under current law. Licensed dispensaries would have the option to create satellite locations to store medication. Medical cannabis providers must currently house all their operations and store products in a single location. This means providers and patients
“The law that we operate under says that we have to provide reasonable access to patients across Texas, and our regulations are not allowing us to do that.” NICO RICHARDSON, CEO, TEXAS ORIGINAL DISPENSARY
1 Houston Methodist Willowbrook Frontline teams are using AI-generated summaries in day-to-day coordination and discharge planning. Ocials said this allows clinicians to spend more time with patients. Additionally, virtual ICU technology is complementing bedside support. Cameras in hospital rooms bring virtual care to the admissions and discharge processes. Patient engagement TVs will soon be added, displaying patients’ daily schedules and care teams.
2 St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage In late 2024, the hospital received a Primary (Level III) Stroke Facility designation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. “Our hospital has the combination of the necessary equipment, expert sta and extensive training to provide the best possible stroke care,” hospital president Mario Garner said in a news release. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term adult disability in the U.S., according to the American Stroke Association.
3 HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress
A $100 million expansion is underway, with a new patient tower expected to open in early 2026. This project includes a 22-bed acute rehabilitation unit, 31 medical-surgical beds, expanded parking and a larger central sterile processing department. The existing lobby, cafe and public corridors are also getting upgrades. Community Impact previously reported the three-story tower will add 53 beds. Ocials said the tower will allow for future expansion.
often drive hours to transport and pick up medication, said Nico Richardson, CEO of the dispensary Texas Original. Additionally, legislation that would ban the possession, sale and manufacture of all other hemp-derived THC products in Texas was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk May 27.
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21214 Hwy. 290, Cypress www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/ north-cypress
18220 Hwy. 249, Houston www.houstonmethodist.org/locations/willowbrook
20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston www.stlukeshealth.org/locations/vintage-hospital
HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879 SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383
BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200 JONES ROAD 17414 NW Fwy (713) 983-8827
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