AUSTIN, Texas -- Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Monday legalizing medical cannabis for epilepsy. The new law gives epilepsy patients access to low doses of cannabis oil.
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The extract comes from marijuana plants and helps control seizures but doesn't produce a high.
But Abbott said Texas won't legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for as long as he's in office.
Abbott ended his first legislative session Monday by making clear that pot laws won't be relaxed under his watch.
More than 20 states allow some form medicinal marijuana, but Abbott signaled that Texas won't be joining the list.
His stance isn't surprising given his staunch conservatism. But supporters of marijuana reform have expressed hope that limited approval of cannabis oil would be a step toward change in Texas.
Only epilepsy patients are eligible for the treatment.
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