Texas Medical Marijuana Expansion Moves Forward as State Considers THC Ban

Texas Medical Marijuana Expansion Moves Forward as State Considers THC Ban

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JUNE 11TH, 2025

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Texas Medical Marijuana Expansion Moves Forward as State Considers THC Ban

Lawmakers in Texas have passed House Bill 46, a measure that would significantly expand the state’s limited medical marijuana program. The bill, approved during the 2025 legislative session, now awaits action from Governor Greg Abbott. If signed, HB 46 would allow more patients to qualify for cannabis treatment and broaden the ways in which medical cannabis can be dispensed.

 

Current Status of Texas’ Cannabis Program

Texas currently operates a limited low-THC medical marijuana program under its Compassionate Use Program (CUP), established in 2015. The program initially permitted access only for patients with intractable epilepsy and has slowly expanded over time. House Bill 46 marks the most significant proposed expansion yet, reflecting growing public and legislative support for medical cannabis access in the state.

 

What does this mean for medical cannabis?

House Bill 46 would make several key changes to the state’s medical cannabis laws:

  • Expand the list of qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, and others.
  • Allow the use of inhalable cannabis products such as vaporized and aerosol forms, not just oral formulations.
  • Prioritize access for veterans and improve protections for patients.
  • Direct the Texas Department of State Health Services to issue more medical cannabis dispensary licenses, particularly in underserved public health regions.

These changes aim to increase access for patients while improving geographic availability of licensed medical cannabis providers.

 

New Texas License Types

Under HB 46, the state would be required to expand the number of medical cannabis dispensing licenses. Specifically:

  • New dispensing organization licenses would be made available across Texas’s 11 public health regions.
  • Dispensaries would be permitted to operate multiple satellite locations, pending regulatory approval.

Exact license counts and timelines would be established by the Texas Department of State Health Services following implementation.

 

Eligibility or Application Details

Application requirements have not yet been formally released, but based on prior law and the new bill’s language, applicants may be expected to meet criteria such as:

  • Registration with the state’s Compassionate Use Registry.
  • Proof of good standing and operational capacity to dispense low-THC cannabis products.
  • Compliance with state-level background checks and zoning restrictions.
  • Residency requirements have not been specified, but prior Texas cannabis regulations have prioritized in-state control.

Full regulatory guidance will be developed once the bill becomes law.

 

What’s Next for Texas Medical Marijuana: Governor Decision and Implementation Timeline

Governor Greg Abbott has not indicated whether he will sign or veto House Bill 46. If he takes no action, the bill will automatically become law after June 22, 2025. If signed, the new provisions are expected to take effect on September 1, 2025. Rulemaking and license expansion would likely begin later this year or early 2026.

Interested in applying for a cannabis license in Texas? Call us at 602-290-9424 or email info@thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com to speak with an expert!

Need help preparing for cannabis licensing? Shop our business plan templates today!

 

Sources:

Texas Governor Refuses To Say Whether He’ll Sign Or Veto Hemp Ban Bill Amid Intense Pushback

Texas Lawmakers Passed Bills To Expand Medical Marijuana, Ban Hemp And Support Psychedelic Research This Session

HB46 expands Compassionate Use Program

 

 

The Cannabis Business Advisors have more than thirty years of combined industry experience, spanning across the U.S. and around the globe. C.B. Advisors offers a comprehensive suite of services, including application and licensing preparation, operational analysis, merger and acquisition support, policy and procedures, exit strategy guidance, and business development planning. Stay up to date on the latest cannabis news with The CB Advisors!

Contact Info@thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com for more information on how to apply for a cannabis business license.

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