In a move that has reshaped the state’s health policy landscape, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 46 into law on Saturday, officially making Texas the 40th state in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis. The measure brings significant improvements to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), a previously restrictive system that offered limited options and coverage to patients in need.

For years, advocates and patients alike voiced frustration over the shortcomings of the TCUP. The original program only allowed low-THC cannabis oil and excluded many patients with qualifying conditions recognized in other states. Now, with the passage of HB 46, Texas joins the growing number of states adopting more comprehensive medical cannabis frameworks.

What the New Law Changes

HB 46 significantly broadens the scope of medical cannabis access in Texas. The updated law introduces a more inclusive list of qualifying conditions, including chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. This is a major win for patients who have been seeking safe and effective wellness alternatives outside of traditional pharmaceuticals.

Equally important are the delivery methods now permitted under the new legislation. In addition to the previously approved low-THC oils, patients will have access to cannabis in the form of lotions, transdermal patches, suppositories, pulmonary inhalation via approved nebulizers, inhalers, and vaporizers—provided a physician authorizes such use.

Another significant update: HB 46 replaces the old THC cap of 1% by weight with a more patient-friendly structure. Under the new law, cannabis products may contain up to 10 milligrams of THC per dose, with a total package limit of 1 gram of THC. This update brings Texas more in line with national medical cannabis norms, helping to ensure consistency in relief and treatment efficacy.

Expanding Access with More Licensed Dispensaries

To meet increased demand and improve access for patients across the state, HB 46 mandates the issuance of 12 additional licenses for medical cannabis dispensing organizations. Once issued, each license holder will be required to become fully operational within 24 months. The expansion from the original three to a total of fifteen dispensaries is expected to vastly improve availability, especially in underserved regions.

Kevin Caldwell, Southeast Legislative Manager at the Marijuana Policy Project, emphasized the need for this change:

“For too long, the existing Texas Compassionate Use Program has been severely limited, leaving countless Texans without the relief they desperately need. Texans have spoken, and their voices have been heard.”

Public Support Driving Legislative Action

The expansion of TCUP didn’t happen in a vacuum. Years of sustained advocacy and growing public demand for medical cannabis access played a crucial role in influencing lawmakers.

Lauren Daly, Interim Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project, underscored this momentum:

“Following in the footsteps of 39 other states, Texas has embraced a commonsense policy that will ensure that Texans facing serious medical conditions have access to a medicine that’s already successfully improving lives nationwide.”

Polls show that a clear majority of Americans support medical cannabis access for patients with a physician’s recommendation. In Texas, that support has reached a critical tipping point, motivating lawmakers from across the political spectrum to update outdated policy with evidence-based reform.

Why It Matters Now

Texas is home to more than 29 million residents, and the expansion of the medical cannabis program could be life-changing for thousands suffering from chronic pain and other serious conditions. With new THC limits and multiple delivery methods, patients can now tailor treatment to their specific wellness needs—something advocates have long argued is essential.

The increased licensing of dispensaries will also help level the playing field, especially for rural communities where patients previously had to travel long distances for limited product offerings.

This move could also influence neighboring states across the South, where cannabis laws remain restrictive. As Texas is a political and cultural bellwether, its decision to move forward with cannabis reform could spark wider regional change.

What’s Next for Texas

As the state begins to implement HB 46, eyes will be on the Department of Public Safety to swiftly and transparently issue the additional dispensary licenses and ensure a smooth rollout. The timeline for full implementation is 24 months, but the impact is already being felt among advocacy groups, dispensary operators, and—most importantly—patients and their families.

With a modernized Compassionate Use Program, Texas is taking a tangible step toward providing more inclusive health and wellness solutions. The reforms signal a meaningful shift away from prohibition-era limitations and toward a more compassionate, science-based approach to patient care.

For more details on Texas dispensary access or to learn how medical cannabis can be part of your wellness plan, visit Marijuana Policy Project or consult the full summary of HB 46 from the Texas Legislature.