Texas State Rep. Mihaela Plesa said the state's cannabis program needs to be more accessible and effective, especially as access expands to include conditions like chronic pain, cancer, and PTSD. Plesa was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“We don't have very much access to THC," said Plesa on a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast. “I try to explain to people that cannabis use is kind of like—you need a more holistic approach to cannabis use. You can't really be messing with it, taking things out, especially because the variety of needs that people have is getting larger now. Last session, we expanded cannabis use to chronic pain.” 

“As we're expanding who can have access to the system, I think two things need to happen," said Plesa. “One, the program needs to become more accessible throughout the state of Texas, so if you live in the Panhandle, you have just as much access as if you live in Austin. That means we have to have equity there. But also, if we're going to expand to include chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, and all these things, then we need to make sure that the product we're providing can treat those things.”

Plesa is the first Democratic woman and first Romanian American elected to represent Texas House District 70 in Collin County. She has a record of bipartisan legislative achievements, including expanding maternal health services and securing property tax exemptions for Gold Star families. Her current priorities include increasing public school funding, reducing property taxes, and supporting small businesses.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.