Texas Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill Signed Into Law by Governor Abbott

Published: 21 June 2025

Updated: 29 August 2025

Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 46 into law on June 21, marking the most significant reform to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) since its creation in 2015. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, ushering in new eligibility criteria, expanded patient access, and broader industry opportunities.

Representative Ken King, who authored HB 46, called it a step toward providing relief for thousands of Texans who previously had few alternatives to opioids or restricted treatments.

Key Changes to the Texas Medical Cannabis Program

Beginning September 1, the following reforms take effect under HB 46:

• Expanded Eligibility for Medical Cannabis: Patients with chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, terminal illnesses, and those receiving hospice or palliative care will qualify.

• More Dispensaries: The Department of Public Safety will issue 12 new dispensary licenses - 9 by December 2025 and 3 more by April 2026, bringing the statewide total to 15. All licensees may establish satellite storage facilities to extend access across Texas.

• New Product Forms: Patients will have access to patches, lotions, suppositories, and inhalable devices (vaporizers and inhalers) in addition to tinctures and topicals.

• Higher THC limits: Up to 10 milligrams per dose, with a maximum of 1 gram per package.

• Longer Prescriptions: Physicians may now prescribe medical cannabis for up to one year with quarterly refills, replacing the previous 90-day limit.

• Industry Growth: Only three dispensaries currently serve the entire state. The expansion to 15 licensees is expected to dramatically improve patient access.

New product forms such as patches, topicals, and inhalation devices are now permitted under physician supervision, and dosage limits have been updated to allow up to 10 milligrams of THC per dose, with a maximum of 1 gram per package. Patients can receive a 90-day supply with up to four refills.

With Governor Abbott’s signature on June 21, Texas officially becomes the 40th U.S. state to adopt a comprehensive medical cannabis program.

Read more about the bill, including its initial proposal.