Texas medical marijuana regulations now permit access through the expanded Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), following the enactment of House Bill 46, which was signed into law on June 21, 2025, and is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation expands the list of qualifying conditions by including chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, terminal illness, and hospice care, in addition to the existing qualifiers such as epilepsy, cancer, ALS, autism, MS, PTSD, seizure disorders, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases. The new law replaces the previous 1% THC weight limit with a specific dosage cap of 10 mg THC per dose (1 g per package), introduces new delivery methods such as lotions, patches, suppositories, and non-smoked inhalation options (including nebulizers, vaporizers, and inhalers), and increases the number of licensed dispensing organizations from 3 to 15, along with satellite locations. Physicians are authorized to provide recommendations valid for up to one year, with four 90-day refills monitored through the Compassionate Use Registry, thereby ensuring regulated access for eligible patients in Texas.
Recreational cannabis is typically limited to patients over 21 years of age and comes with strict possession limits. As a medical marijuana patient, you face fewer restrictions and have more freedom to access your medication in greater quantities.
A medical marijuana card affords you the privilege of shopping in both medicinal and adult-use dispensaries. Greater access means more products to choose from and more freedom to compare prices and find the best deals
Some recreational-use states still allow employers, landlords, and family courts to discriminate against cannabis users. A medical marijuana certification provides you with legal documentation demonstrating that your use is medically warranted. This can protect you against discriminatory or punitive actions in many states.
As a medical marijuana patient, you won’t be subject to the same sales or excise taxes required of recreational buyers. You may be able to save 10% or more on every purchase.
If your condition is on the list, you may qualify for medical cannabis under Texas law.