Senate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
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Health care
THC-related poison control calls tripled in Texas after hemp became legal. Experts say there’s more to the story.
Experts say poison control data don’t specify which calls are related to hemp versus more dangerous K2, but show that most THC poisonings cause minor side effects.
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Texas measles outbreak
Better testing, less vaccine messaging among lessons learned from historic Texas measles outbreak
Faced with a skeptical religious community that became the center of the outbreak, public health officials say they may have pushed too hard on vaccine messaging.
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Health care
Rio Grande Valley’s biggest free health clinic event of the year is canceled due to federal cuts
It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year.
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Health care
Mental health programs could bear the brunt of $600M federal cuts to Texas schools
Federal cuts and a lack of dedicated mental health funding from the state could erode programs to address chronic absenteeism, crises and more.
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Texas measles outbreak
Texas measles cases remain steady at 750. Track the spread here.
An outbreak is considered over if there are no new cases reported in 42 consecutive days.
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Health care
Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.
While the state says undocumented patients cost hospitals $329 million over three months, critics say the data lacks payment information and more context.
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Energy
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
The package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.
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Health care
A Texas boy needed protection from measles. The vaccine cost $1,400.
Because their insurance did not cover the cost of vaccinations, the family qualified for a variety of options to help lower the cost, but they were not offered assistance.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Texas medical marijuana industry to push for hemp age restrictions and delta-8 ban
Medical program leaders want a ban on synthetic delta-8 THC, which makes up the bulk of consumable hemp products.