The Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation (TOCC) – a leading licensed medical cannabis producer in Texas – recently introduced patient and doctor-inspired medical cannabis lozenges as a means of addressing limitations associated with the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP).  

While the CUP imposes limits on the legally allowed amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contained in a product – currently, the limit is set at .5 percent THC by weight – there is no limit imposed on individual consumption. Because of this, some patients may endure gastrointestinal tract problems after ingesting large amounts of carrying oil with their prescription.

“The last few years have proven beyond a doubt that Texas can introduce safe and effective medical cannabis legislation that improves the lives of thousands of Texans,” said the TOCC’s CEO, Morris Denton. “However, the Compassionate Use Program’s statutes have created an unfortunate health issue by limiting THC concentrations, thereby needlessly increasing a patient’s carrying oil intake and creating an unhealthy side effect for some patients on larger doses.”

Thankfully, TOCC’s lozenges have been specially formulated to contain the same CBD to THC ratio as the company’s line of tincture products. The portability of these products and measured doses enable consumers to get an accurate dosage anywhere, at any time and with confidence that their level of cannabinoid consumption is consistent. 

TOCC patients favor lozenges for their ease of administration

In August, the TOCC launched a research trial involving more than 20 patients. The sole purpose of this trial was to determine the accessibility and efficacy of treating medical cannabis patients in Texas with lozenges. All of the patients who participated in the study had been diagnosed with either autism, epilepsy, Huntington’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease or spinal spasticity.

Minimal or no gastrointestinal discomfort was reported by the vast majority of trial subjects after ingesting the lozenges’ ingredients. When the trial was complete, TOCC researchers confirmed that lozenges offer a desirable method of self-administration that ensures convenience and controlled dosing for caregivers and patients.

“Registered prescribers and the Texas medical community are discovering and witnessing the positive impact THC is having on their patients and will continue to prescribe higher doses,” Denton explained. “While the most logical and medically sensible solution would be to increase the cap on THC, until our lawmakers address this issue, our team is committed to producing the highest quality medicine and providing our patients with the most convenient, accessible consumption options legally available under the regulations of the Compassionate Use Program.”

More than 200 physicians are currently registered to prescribe medical cannabis in Texas and patients can qualify to obtain lozenges on prescription if they are diagnosed with one (or more) of the 145 qualifying conditions. Patients can order lozenges – and have them delivered from – the company’s headquarters in Austin, Texas. Patients can also access these products at TOCC’s temporary dispensary sites that recently opened in Plano, Houston, Katy and San Antonio.

Top agriculture official supports expansion of medical cannabis in Texas

During a recent tour of a cannabis cultivation facility in Austin, Texas’ leading agricultural official Sid Miller declared his approval for expanding medical cannabis use statewide. He shared his opinion after consulting with a number of parents who rely on medical cannabis to treat their children who suffer from autism; among many other conditions.

“I would certainly expand medical cannabis,” Miller told reporters at Austin TV station KXAN. “If it’ll help somebody, I’m for it. Whatever it is. I mean, a toothache, I don’t care. If it’s a cure, if it [alleviates] pain, we should be able to use that.”

Miller makes a good point, considering the fact that medical cannabis has been proven as a viable treatment option among patients and healthcare practitioners/doctors who prescribe the plant. TOCC’s chief medical officer, Dr. Karen Keough, MD, can vouch for this. Keough – a child neurologist and pediatrician for Child Neurology Consultants of Austin – treats children with intractable epilepsy.

“Medical cannabis has proven to be a viable, effective solution for my patients seeking relief from debilitating neurodegenerative diseases,” she explained. “I’ve watched patients previously suffering from multiple seizures a day get a new lease on life after introducing cannabis into their treatment plans. Adding lozenges will help expand medical marijuana’s benefits to an even wider base of qualifying patients. High doses of oil can sometimes provoke GI upset or diarrhea, which lozenges will help to alleviate.”