Texas Expands Medical Marijuana Access – Here’s How It Will Impact

Texas is making major strides in medical marijuana reform with a new law that expands access for patients. With new conditions and product options, this move is set to shake up the cannabis landscape.

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In a significant legislative development, Texas has officially expanded its medical marijuana program, marking a turning point for cannabis access in the state. Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 46 into law on June 22, 2025, a measure that will open up the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) to a wider pool of patients. This change makes Texas the 40th state to legalize medical cannabis in a meaningful way. While this move is being hailed as a win by cannabis advocates, it also brings the state’s medical marijuana policy more in line with the broader national trend of increased cannabis legalization.

The expanded program will provide Texans with access to a broader range of medical marijuana products and allow for a more inclusive list of qualifying conditions. This reform has been eagerly anticipated, with many citing the limitations of the previous program that restricted access for thousands of potential patients.

Expanded Access for Texas Patients

One of the most significant changes in the new law is the expansion of the list of qualifying conditions. Under the new legislation, patients diagnosed with chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and Crohn’s disease—among other inflammatory bowel diseases—will now be eligible for medical cannabis treatment. Additionally, end-of-life patients in hospice or palliative care will also qualify for the program, making it more inclusive for individuals facing a range of serious health challenges.

Before the law’s passage, the TCUP had been limited to patients with only eight qualifying conditions, which significantly restricted the program’s reach. The addition of these new conditions reflects a growing understanding of the benefits of medical cannabis for managing a variety of chronic and debilitating illnesses.

New Products and Treatment Options

The new law also opens up a wider array of cannabis products for patients. Previously, the TCUP had limited the types of cannabis products available, primarily allowing non-smokable forms of cannabis with less than 0.5% THC. The expanded program introduces medical marijuana patches, topicals, suppositories, and other delivery methods such as inhalers, nebulizers, and vaping devices. This broader range of options allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments to the specific needs of patients, improving access to effective therapeutic alternatives.

By diversifying the available products, the Texas program aims to provide more flexibility for patients who may benefit from different forms of administration. The availability of topical and patch options, for example, can provide relief for patients who are unable or unwilling to consume cannabis through inhalation or ingestion.

Increased Number of Licensed Providers

Another key feature of the legislation is the increase in the number of licensed medical cannabis operators. Prior to the bill’s passage, Texas only had three licensed operators. Under the new law, the state will increase the number of licenses issued to 15, which will enable more businesses to enter the market. These providers will also be allowed to operate satellite locations, improving accessibility for patients who may have previously struggled to find nearby dispensaries.

The expansion of licensed providers is expected to address the growing demand for medical cannabis in the state, especially as the list of qualifying conditions and treatment options continues to grow. It also provides more opportunities for businesses to enter the medical marijuana industry, potentially contributing to economic growth in Texas.

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Legislative Journey and Public Support

The journey to expanding Texas’ medical cannabis program was a lengthy one, with the bill undergoing several rounds of revision before being signed into law. House Bill 46 was initially approved by the Texas House of Representatives in May 2025, and the Texas Senate passed an amended version shortly thereafter. After a conference committee was formed to reconcile the differences between the two versions, both chambers passed the final bill in early June.

Advocates for cannabis policy reform, including the Marijuana Policy Project and the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, have expressed strong support for the bill. Lauren Daly, interim executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, highlighted that the new law is a direct result of overwhelming public support for medical cannabis, which has been shown to provide relief for patients with chronic pain and other serious conditions.

Heather Fazio, executive director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, emphasized that this expansion is a significant step forward after years of limited access for patients in need of cannabis-based therapies.

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