How is Medical Cannabis Changing in Texas?
- New qualifying conditions like chronic pain, IBD, and TBI will be included.
- More dispensaries and satellite pickup locations will be available.
- Vaporizable products will be an option for medical patients.
- Updated THC limits will offer greater product variety.
Texas is expanding its medical cannabis program through HB 46 as of September 1, 2025. These updates are expected to bring relief to thousands of new patients statewide.
We look at what exactly is changing, and what that means for Texas patients.
What is HB 46?
Starting September 1, major updates to Texas’s medical cannabis program will go into effect under HB 46. The law adds new qualifying conditions, including chronic pain, and allows more dispensaries to open across the state. It also introduces new product options designed to offer faster relief.
At the same time, state officials are pushing for a ban on hemp-derived THC, which would make medical cannabis the only legal option for many Texans.
It’s a lot to take in. This guide breaks down clearly what the program changes mean for Texans.
New Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions
Texas's list of over 150 qualifying conditions will expand to include:
- Chronic pain (no prior opioid use required)
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Terminal illnesses or hospice care
Chronic pain and IBD are two of the most common qualifying conditions in other states, so this change could give thousands of Texans new access to relief.
For patients unsure about how their symptoms align with the law, guidance on selecting a qualifying condition can help make the process clearer.
Increased Accessibility Across the State
Texas is making it easier for patients to access medical cannabis by allowing dispensaries to store products in satellite locations.
This change means:
- Shorter travel times for patients in rural areas.
- Less time waiting for prescriptions to be filled.
- Potential cost savings due to more efficient distribution.
Patients who still don’t live near a pickup site can continue to use home delivery. That makes it further accessible, especially for those with mobility or transportation challenges.
New THC Measurements and More Product Options
Texas is updating how it regulates medical cannabis strength and delivery.
- Vaporizable products can now be prescribed by licensed physicians. Vapes offer a faster onset of relief than other legal options, giving patients a quicker, more responsive way to manage their symptoms.
- The 1% THC cap is being replaced by a 10mg-per-dose limit. Products can contain up to 1,000mg per package.
These changes open the door to more product options, including:
- Capsules
- Transdermal patches
- Inhalers
- Vaporizers
With fewer filler ingredients needed to meet previous limits, patients can also expect higher-quality products overall.
Is Hemp THC Banned in Texas?
Not yet, but the pressure is mounting.
Texas lawmakers want to fully ban hemp-derived THC, while the governor supports stricter rules instead. If a ban passes, medical cannabis could become the only legal way to get THC in the state.
For now, the most dependable way to keep access, especially for medical use, is by getting a prescription through the state’s medical cannabis program.
How Can a Patient Get Medical Cannabis in Texas?
Patients can get a medical cannabis prescription in Texas quickly, securely, and entirely online through NuggMD.
The process is simple:
- Meet with a licensed physician via telehealth.
- Get approved for a qualifying condition.
- Your prescription is added to the state’s Compassionate Use Registry.
- Fill your order through a licensed Texas dispensary.
Having a prescription lets patients explore cannabis at their own pace, get expert support for chronic pain and other approved conditions, and access the program with no risk.
By using NuggMD, you also get to speak with a licensed doctor 100% online and either get approved to explore medical cannabis or get your money back.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
