Texas could be set to expand access to legal cannabis after a wider ban of THC products was passed in the state House last week.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said on Monday that he had had a “positive conversation” with State Representative Tom Oliverson about expanding eligibility for the state’s medical marijuana program, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP).

Under the new plans, chronic pain, terminal illness and hospice care would become qualifying conditions for eligibility.

Newsweek has contacted Patrick and Oliverson’s offices for comment outside of regular working hours.

Why It Matters

The dual-track legislative push represents a significant shift for Texas, which could soon have some of the strictest THC product bans in the U.S., while also increasing access to medical marijuana for select patients.

A poll from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs indicated that more than 60 percent of Texas residents support legalizing marijuana.

What To Know

On Wednesday last week, the State House voted to ban all consumable THC hemp products. If Senate Bill 3 is signed into law, the TCUP will become the only way for people in the state to access THC products.

House Bill 46 is now being pushed forward by lawmakers, as it would expand the number of people eligible for the medical marijuana program.

Lieutenant Governor Patrick said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday that he and Representative Oliverson would be expanding licenses to 12 new dispensary organizations across the state.

He added that they would look to add satellite locations in each public health region of the state “for the first time ever,” meaning patients would have improved access to the program.

In House Bill 46, people with glaucoma, degenerative disc disease and honorably discharged veterans would also be among the individuals eligible for medical marijuana.

Lawmakers now face mounting pressure to move the House bill forward, as SB 3 is getting closer to being signed into law.

What People Are Saying

Lieutenant Governor Patrick wrote in a post on X on Monday: “The Senate and my concern has always been that we don’t want to go back to the days of doctors writing prescriptions for anyone who paid them for a prescription for pain pills.

“The Texas Medical Board has put in strong guidelines to prevent that from happening over the last decade. Dr. Oliverson presented a new thoughtful plan that the Senate and I can support that will help those in true need of relief.

“I thank Dr. Oliverson for working with the Senate to find a truly amazing expansion of TCUP for those in need of help.”

What Happens Next

House Bill 46 is continuing to progress through the legislative process, but is still a number of steps behind Senate Bill 3.