Expanding Access: Texas Moves Closer to a Broader Medical Cannabis Program
In a significant development for cannabis policy, Texas is on the verge of expanding its medical cannabis program through proposed legislative changes. House Bill 46 (HB 46) aims to widen the scope of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) by increasing qualifying conditions and locations for medical cannabis access. Following substantial amendments, the bill was approved by the Senate State Affairs Committee and is now pending a Senate vote. Legislative observers consider this a pivotal moment for cannabis reform in Texas.
Enhanced Medical Cannabis Access
One of the critical amendments to HB 46 includes the addition of chronic pain as a qualifying condition for cannabis use under TCUP. This amendment, which aligns with growing recognition of cannabis’s therapeutic potential, was attributed to collaborative efforts between key lawmakers, including Representative Tom Oliverson, MD. Moreover, terminal illness and hospice care are now recognized as qualifying conditions, significantly broadening the program’s outreach.
The amendments also propose expanding the number of medical cannabis licenses from three to twelve. This measure seeks to extend access across the vast geographical landscape of Texas, introducing satellite locations in each public health region. Physicians will also have increased autonomy to prescribe cannabis in tailored doses, backed by advancements in metered dose inhalation delivery systems.
Addressing Statewide Access Challenges
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) plays a vital role in the administration of the Compassionate Use Program, overseeing dispensary licensing and maintaining a registry of qualified physicians. As of April 2025, the Compassionate Use Registry included over 112,000 patients, highlighting the growing demand and reliance on medical cannabis therapy. However, the executive summary from the 2024 Compassionate Use Program Analysis indicated gaps in statewide access due to the state’s vast geography and limited dispensing infrastructure.
To address these issues, the report recommended enhancing the distribution network and recruiting more physicians to join the program. Strategies to achieve this include establishing additional dispensary locations beyond Central Texas, which could ensure broader coverage and accessibility for both patients and providers. With the legislative push through HB 46, Texas could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar logistical challenges in their medical cannabis programs.
As developments unfold, Canna Daily News will continue to track these legislative changes, providing updates and insights on how they will shape the future of medical cannabis access in Texas and beyond.
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