Medical cannabis group asks Abbott to expand dispensary licenses

The Medical Cannabis Association of Texas has called on Gov. Greg Abbott to expand the number of dispensary licenses in the state. (AP Photo/Marina Riker, File) The Medical Cannabis Association of Texas has called on Gov. Greg Abbott to expand the number of dispensary licenses in the state. (AP Photo/Marina Riker, File) Photo: Marina Riker, STF Photo: Marina Riker, STF Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Medical cannabis group asks Abbott to expand dispensary licenses 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The Medical Cannabis Association of Texas recently sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott asking him to expand the number of approved licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.

Under the Compassionate Use Act that Abbott signed into law two years ago, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to license the cultivation and sale of the low-THC chemical strain of cannabis for patients suffering from intractable epilepsy. The licenses take effect Sept. 1.

RELATED: DPS draws fire on medical marijuana licensing

Yet medical marijuana groups, including the Medical Cannabis Association of Texas, argue that DPS is not doing enough to ensure all patients have easy access to their medicine, since the agency conditionally approved only three licenses for dispensaries.

"With only these three permits in Texas the cost of the medication will be kept artificially high and by also limiting access geographically it will remain out of reach for most of the estimated 150,000 patients who qualify in Texas," the letter to the governor read.

DPS declined to comment and the governor's office did not provide a response.